Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 81: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support and protect Irish and international citizens sailing to Gaza; and if he will support the besieged Palestinians there. [34042/11]

Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way he intends to hold Israel to account for its endangerment of the lives of Irish citizens aboard the [i]MV Saoirse[/i] and for its continuing violations of international law. [34128/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 83 together.

I have consistently stated my condemnation of and opposition to the overall blockade on Gaza, as it is implemented in practice by Israel. The essential feature of this is the restrictions imposed on the land crossings from Israel into Gaza. The naval blockade is of far less significance, as Gaza has never been and is not equipped to be a port of any significant capacity.

I made clear in the House in advance of Israel's interception of the MV Saoirse, that I could not support the actions of citizens putting themselves at risk by attempting to break a declared naval blockade, but that in the event of such action I would of course ensure that the normal consular assistance and protection was afforded to our citizens. I have reported to the House on the assistance given by the Embassy in Tel Aviv and by my Department at home, which has been recognised by Deputies.

Also leading up to this event, and the earlier intended sailing in July, both I personally and my Department made clear to the Israeli authorities our assurance that the Irish activists intended a non-violent political protest, and our insistence that any measure taken to enforce the blockade, including any interception of the ship, be carried out so as to ensure the safety of the citizens involved. After the disaster that occurred in May 2010, this was clearly my first concern.

I am relieved, therefore, that no injuries to our citizens were reported. The fourteen citizens detained were deported from Israel and arrived back in Ireland on Thursday and Friday last week. I have requested the Embassy in Tel Aviv to follow up with the Israeli authorities on a number of issues arising from this episode, including allegations that the MV Saoirse sustained damage during the interception.