Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) has been re-arrested and again put on trial, on this occasion for speaking to members of the international media; his views on whether this treatment of this citizen is appropriate for a democratic state; if he has made representations to the Israeli authorities on the treatment of this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13556/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and I share the widely held concerns about it. My understanding is that the person has been charged with violation of the restrictions imposed as a condition of his release from prison in 2004 at the end of the prison sentence which he had served. These restrictions include a prohibition on him leaving Israel and on contacting the media. The case against him relating to these charges is still underway and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific aspects of a matter which is before the courts.

The Government has consistently been of the view that the person concerned should not be subjected to the restrictions which were imposed and the government of Israel is aware of this position. However, the restrictions have been the subject of judicial review by the Israeli Supreme Court, which concluded that they are not incompatible with the Israeli Government's obligations in respect of its citizens. I do not believe there is any likelihood that the Israeli Government will overturn the court's decision. The Government will continue to monitor the situation.