Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I again raise the matter of the parents of Salem Gharbia, who are in a camp in Gaza with no medication or access to food or clean water. In fact, their lives are in constant danger. This morning, I received a written response to a question I put to the Tánaiste on this issue where he told me that if an Irish citizen, for example, Salem himself, was in Gaza, his dependent parents could accompany him out of Gaza. It might take time but it is possible.

It seems to me the issue is not whether his parents could get safe passage out of Gaza but actually whether he is there to accompany them. The Tánaiste and I know that is not possible. While I recognise the real efforts made by the Tánaiste and his officials, I ask that he look again at this case and similar cases and investigate every possible avenue to get Salem's parents to safety. He will do whatever is necessary.

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