Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the deportation of the four persons Deputy Daly named. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was notified immediately by one of the individuals and we have since received letters from each of them about the incident. The leader of the group has led study groups to the West Bank for over ten years, involving a total of 17 tour groups and over 400 people. These groups met a range of Israeli and Palestinian NGOs and other interlocutors and studied issues on the ground relating to the occupation of the West Bank. As usual, she had advised the Department of the dates and itinerary of the tour in advance so that our missions would be aware of a large group of citizens touring the area.

No detailed reason for refusing admission to Israel was given to them other than a generic explanation that it was for immigration reasons and, in the case of the leader, Ms Daly, also because of unspecified public security, public safety or public order considerations. Thirty-three of the group entered Israel but unfortunately these four people were deported.

No report or allegation has ever been made to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of any legitimate concerns about the activities of these study groups. The group leader has also stated that she has never taken part in any demonstration in Palestine, nor have any of the groups' programmes included attendance at a demonstration.

Without a more specific explanation, it is difficult not to conclude that the exclusion of these persons is part of the ongoing effort to suppress scrutiny and criticism of Israeli policies in the West Bank.

The Ambassador in Tel Aviv has called to the Israeli Foreign Minister and requested an explanation for this action. We are awaiting a response and I will ensure that the Deputy and the persons concerned are notified when we hear more. It is currently a Jewish high holiday so there is a delay in that process but as soon a response is received Deputy Daly and the individuals concerned will be informed.

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