Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he is taking with the Israeli Government to emphasise his shock and concern in respect of the recent events at Gaza; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25866/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I addressed a special debate in the Dáil on 1 June in relation to the deaths which occurred the previous day when Israeli forces intercepted and carried out a military assault on the Free Gaza flotilla. I spoke again on the subject in the Seanad on 2 June. These debates were important opportunities for members to express the shock and concern felt in the country, and on behalf of the Government I set out clearly my own strong views and reaction to these events. I advised the Oireachtas that I had immediately called in the Ambassador of Israel on 31 May to convey these views directly to him, and through him to his Government. The Government's position has been repeatedly stated on many occasions since in official level exchanges through Ireland's Embassy in Tel Aviv and Israel's Embassy in Dublin.

I discussed these issues also with my EU colleagues at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 June, and we considered in particular how we might work to bring to an end the drastic restrictions on movements of goods into and out of Gaza which have led to this tragic outcome. The Council believes that an immediate, full and impartial inquiry into the recent events and the circumstances surrounding them is essential. The Conclusions also make clear that to command the confidence of the international community this should include credible international participation. I drew attention to the valuable proposals made by the UN Secretary General in this matter.