Darragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding his investigation into the illegal use of Irish passports by foreign agents; the outcome of his discussions with the Israeli authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21723/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Questions Nos. 1 and 2 on 20 May 2010. Over the past three months there has been frequent contact between Irish officials and the UAE authorities, representatives from other countries whose passports were also used in this incident and representatives of the Israeli Government. On 22 February, I met with Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, in Brussels to outline how seriously we take the misuse of Irish passports. The Irish Ambassador in Tel Aviv also met with the Europe Director of the Israeli Foreign Ministry and registered our serious concerns. The Israeli Ambassador was invited to Iveagh House where senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs stressed the seriousness with which the Government viewed the matter. In our discussions with the Israeli authorities, we have requested them to give us any information they may have on the use of forged Irish passports. To date, we have not received a reply.