Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will call in the Israeli ambassador following the assassination of a Hamas leader. [9393/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 318 on 23 February in relation to this issue, which was as follows: "Police investigations into the assassination in Dubai of Mr. Mahmoud al-Mabhouh on 20 January are continuing. The identities of those involved in the assassination, and the organization or group responsible, remain to be established.

I met with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Avigdor Lieberman in Brussels yesterday and made clear my serious concerns at the fraudulent use of Irish passports by those suspected of carrying out this assassination. I asked that the Israeli authorities provide whatever assistance they could in this matter. Minister Lieberman said that he had no information on the events in Dubai.

Similar points were made when officials of my Department met the Israeli Ambassador in Iveagh House on 18 February.

The Government has made clear to the Israeli authorities that, regardless of who was responsible, we take grave exception to the forgery and misuse of Irish passports. Such action could serve to devalue the standing of the passports and potentially put at risk the safety of Irish citizens traveling abroad."