Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Garda authorities are investigating the type and scale of Israeli clandestine operations carried out here and in particular reports that Israeli secret agents photographed members of the [i]Rachel Corrie[/i] aid mission before it left Dundalk, County Louth, which follows Israel's abuse of Irish passports in the course of an assassination that they conducted; the steps being taken by an Garda Síochána to protect Irish citizens from the activities of Israel here; and if he has had any discussions with the Garda Commissioner on this issue. [28290/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no investigation being carried out at present into the particular reports mentioned in the Deputy's question. I am further informed that no complaint has been received by the Gardaí in respect of the alleged photographing of crew members of the ship Rachel Corrie.

Nevertheless, if any person has credible information that any alleged criminal activity has taken place, they should report their concerns to the Garda Síochána. The Gardaí will conduct an investigation into any grounded allegation of criminal activity using all the statutory powers available to them in pursuit of their functions to preserve peace and public order and to prevent, detect and investigate breaches of the criminal law.

With regard to the Deputy's assertion of clandestine operations being carried out by a foreign State, the House will readily understand why it would not be appropriate for me to comment in any way on the nature or extent of Garda operations or investigations, in particular those which might be related to counter-intelligence.

As to the issue of the misuse of Irish passports to which the Deputy also refers, the Government has made very clear its strong objection to what occurred and, following consideration of the proposal of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, requested Israel to withdraw a member of its staff from its Embassy in Dublin. I would refer the Deputy to the comprehensive statement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in this regard of 15 June 2010.