Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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22. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the latest report by Defence for Children International - Palestine, published on 12 May 2014, which details the alarming rise in numbers of Palestinians being subjected to solitary confinement; his views on whether solitary confinement solely for interrogation purposes amounts to torture; if he will condemn Israel's use of solitary confinement against Palestinian children; if he will make representations to the Israeli Government, which is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention Against Torture, in order to raise this issue and press Israeli authorities to cease this degrading treatment of Palestinian children held in Israeli custody; if he will call for the release of the imprisoned members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, including Marwan Barghouti; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23179/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I am aware of the report in question, which details a number of disturbing practices in relation to detention of Palestinian children. The report indicates a 2% rise in cases of minors held in solitary confinement, which is clearly unwelcome. Children in custody should be allowed to be accompanied by adult family members. I have paid particular attention to the incidence and conditions of detention of Palestinian children. My view is quite simple: Palestinian children should enjoy the same protections under the law which Israel rightly considers appropriate for Israeli children, and in conformity with international standards.

Ireland has repeatedly drawn attention to concerns with regard to the treatment of Palestinian prisoners, including minors. At the Universal Peer Review of Israel at the UN Human Rights Council in October 2013, Ireland recommended, inter alia, that Israel end night arrests of children, the admissibility in evidence in military courts of written confessions in Hebrew signed by Palestinian children, the use of solitary confinement against minors, and the denial of access to family members or to legal representation. These serious concerns were also among those raised by Ireland in its statement under agenda item 7 on ‘the human rights situation in Palestine’ at the 25^thsession of the Human Rights Council in March. In addition Ireland raises its concerns bilaterally, both with the Israeli Embassy in Dublin and with the Israeli authorities in Israel, at every appropriate opportunity. Finally, Ireland provides financial support to Israeli and Palestinian NGOs who are active in bringing these issues to light. We have seen some improvements in treatment of minors in detention, but much more remains to be done.

It is right that Israel should be held to appropriate standards in dealing with civilians under its military occupation, especially minors. However, it is only right also to note that Israel is not alone in giving rise to such concerns. Similar or worse treatment of persons in detention could be reported from many other countries in the region and elsewhere.

The position of Marwan Barghouti is a separate issue. I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 27 (15397/14) on 3 April last.