Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 35 together.

I have consistently made clear my concerns about the use of administrative detention by the Israeli authorities. Israel is undeniably faced with serious security challenges, and may legitimately therefore have recourse in certain circumstances to special powers. However, there are clear grounds for concern that administrative detention is being used in some cases to suppress legitimate dissent and protest. Coupled with the application of military law to all Palestinians under occupation, but not to Israeli citizens living in the same areas, there is clear potential for abuse, and for the familiar phenomenon whereby supposedly exceptional powers are increasingly used in broader and indeed routine circumstances. The instances of repeated extensions of detention orders can also mean that individuals may be detained for years without ever having charges laid against them, or even being informed of the basis for their detention.

Ireland has repeatedly drawn attention to these concerns with regard to administrative detention, both directly with the Israeli authorities, and in discussions at EU or UN level. The EU has also criticized the excessive use by Israel of administrative detention on a number of occasions in recent years.

There has been a significant reduction in the use of the practice by Israel during this period, but the problem remains a serious one. We will continue to make known our concerns on the practice overall to the Israeli authorities at all appropriate opportunities.