Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

In terms of the MV Rachel Corrie, we have received no assurances other than the Israeli ambassador having conveyed to us that the Israeli Government does not want conflict or confrontation with it. One would hope that a different mindset will prevail in this regard. Deputy Higgins indicated to me this morning that Mr. Denis Halliday had been in touch, following which I telephoned him. We will maintain contact. My overriding priority is the protection and safety of Irish citizens. It is clear from the comments made to me by Mr. Halliday that is the overriding priority of the crew. They are not seeking conflict or confrontation. They have on board humanitarian goods which they wish to bring to Gaza. The Israeli ambassador equally has stated that the Israeli Government does not want confrontation. We have had no indication that they will facilitate any passage through of the ship. That is the position as of now. We will keep a close watch on this and will remain in constant contact with all parties.

On the Deputy's comments in regard to the Goldstone inquiry, what has happened is regrettable. What is most regrettable is the attempts to blacken members of the inquiry. The intimidation and constant pressure on personnel is unacceptable. I will meet shortly with personnel who served on the Goldstone inquiry to hear first-hand what has been going on. At the UN Assembly, we took a clear line and independent position on this from the beginning. We, along with one or two other countries, in terms of our European colleagues, were on our own on this at the first assembly vote. However, there was a significant shift in this regard when it came to the second vote. Things change.

On Deputy McGrath's questions, we have not considered going the boycotting route. I made a speech at the ICTU conference in Dublin Castle at which I set out our clear position in this regard. Boycotts have in recent times been questioned in terms of their efficacy. If one is to go down that particular route in terms of trade other countries would have to come into the frame. We cannot be selective in this regard. We have not considered the other proposals mentioned by the Deputy. My first priority is the safe release of Irish citizens. I should explain that ambassadors and diplomatic relations are to facilitate civil and diplomatic exchanges between countries even in times of great difficulty and stress. That is the fundamental function of a diplomatic relationship. The scenario outlined by the Deputy would be one of last resort. As I stated, we are clear in terms of where we want to go in regard to this issue.

On the American situation, I believe in the bona fides of President Obama. I believe he has made strong efforts to try to get the peace talks going and has been frustrated by a range of issues that at times have called into question the capacity of the Israeli Government to engage in a meaningful talks process. We all recall the visit of Vice President Biden to Israel and on his arrival a particular event and announcement that again torpedoed the proximity talks. There is at times a sense of incoherence from the Israeli Government in respect of the process which has frustrated the commencement of the talks. The appointment of Mr. George Mitchell was a genuine signal of intent by the American Government to from the beginning, contrary to previous Government's, engage with the Middle East question. I believe we should welcome that aspect and dimension of President Obama's Administration's engagement with the middle eastern situation. There are, as we know, also challenges in this regard. We know the realpolitik of the situation within the United States and the particular strength of various lobbies and so on and the impact of those lobbies on policy etc.

Deputy Pat Breen asked about the IHH, which is the international relief foundation. It is banned by Israel, which accuses it of openly supporting Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood but others, including the Turkish Government, would view it as a charitable relief organisation.

The key point is that we must establish the full facts of what transpired. There were hundreds of people on that boat. This interception happened in international waters. As I have said, clearly, there were options that could have been pursued other than the option that was ultimately pursued. I do not like branding people and in the conflict situation we have, people get branded, which may not necessarily be a fair designation. We have had enough of that in the past while.

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