Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I will repeat the travel advice the Department has issued in respect of Gaza. The advice states clearly that we advise against all travel to the Gaza Strip, including the waters off Gaza and goes on to explain the reasons for that.

I wish to be very clear that I do not want anything I say to convey in any way the view or impression that the State lends its support to this flotilla. We understand why it is taking place and the motivation of the people involved in it, but we must be very clear on where we stand with regard to support for it. It is not supported by the State and cannot be supported by it.

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