Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

218. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) one of the co-founders of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, BDS, movement; that they have lived in Israel for over 22 years but have now been denied the right to travel outside the country; that this denial of movement severely hinders their right to free speech, free association, and political activism; and if he is concerned of the escalation of Israel’s attacks on Palestinian human rights defenders who non-violently advocate for Palestinian rights. [12110/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware of this case, which has just arisen with the refusal to renew the individual’s travel permit earlier this month. This appears to be on the basis of a review of his right to reside in Israel, and to return there after travel to the occupied territory and elsewhere. No request for assistance has been received from this person, by ourselves or – so far as we can ascertain – any other EU Mission. The case is at an early stage and its basis and likely outcome as yet unclear. As a first step, the EU delegation in Israel has asked the authorities for clarification of the situation in this case. The practice of revocation of right of residence is an issue that we have raised previously with the Israeli authorities. The wider issue of increasingly intolerant responses to non-violent protest and activism is indeed a matter of deep concern. These concerns have been raised directly with the Israeli authorities, and are a continuing matter of discussion at EU level.