Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 397: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [27712/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I was very concerned to learn of the Israeli naval seizure of the Gaza-bound Spirit of Humanity on 30 June and the arrest and detention of the two Irish citizens – Mairead Maguire and Derek Graham – on board the vessel. The priority for my Department has been to ensure the safety and well-being of Ms. Maguire and Mr. Graham and to secure their prompt release. To that end, we have been in ongoing contact at a senior level with the Israeli authorities, both through the Israeli Embassy here and our own Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Ms. Maguire and Mr. Graham have been held in a detention facility in the city of Lod in Israel. An official from our Embassy in Tel Aviv visited them on both 1 and 2 July to check on their well-being and ascertain the conditions of their detention. The Embassy also maintained regular contact with the families and lawyer representing Ms. Maguire and Mr. Graham. The Embassy confirmed that Ms. Maguire and Mr. Graham were being treated properly and that the facility at which they were held was satisfactory. I understand that both are expected to be deported from Israel today, and should arrive back in Ireland later this evening.

The sole purpose of the Spirit of Humanity's voyage was to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. I would urge the Israeli authorities to now ensure that all humanitarian supplies on board the ship are made available to the Palestinian people.

I have been consistent in my condemnation of the economic blockade imposed by Israel upon the Gaza Strip since the summer of 2007, which I regard as amounting to a collective punishment of the people of Gaza. I have emphasised, in discussions with my EU colleagues and directly to Israeli Ministers, my view that the blockade should be brought to an end immediately, and the crossing points opened without restrictions on the normal movement of persons and goods. This is not only vital to allow the dire humanitarian situation in the territory to be addressed, but also so that the long overdue reconstruction of Gaza can begin.

My Department's official advice to any persons wishing to travel to Gaza is not to travel at present, in view of the current dangerous and fragile security situation in the Gaza Strip. This advice was communicated to the Free Gaza movement which organised this particular voyage in advance of its sailing. My Department's official advice to any persons wishing to travel to Gaza is not to travel at present, in view of the current dangerous and fragile security situation in the Gaza Strip. This advice was communicated to the Free Gaza movement which organised this particular voyage in advance of its sailing.