Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I am sorry; I wish to make one final point that may prevent further questions on the issue of property raised by Deputy Higgins.

The large number of persons aboard the first group of ships detained left their personal belongings on board. These were not returned to them individually when they were deported. Instead, the luggage was sent en masse by aeroplane to Istanbul with the deportees. Israel says all of the luggage was sent. In Istanbul, some but not all of the Irish citizens were able to locate their luggage. However, there remains some confusion because of the large amount of luggage that was moved. The embassy in Ankara is assisting in identifying personal belongings, but this is obviously not an easy task. Those on board the Rachel Corrie took their own luggage off the ship and brought it with them when they were deported. Cameras, telephones and other electronic equipment were confiscated from both groups of detainees; most of this has not yet been returned. One citizen has provided my Department with a list of missing items, on which we will follow up with the Israeli authorities.

See this speech in context