John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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113. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the deportation from Israel on 9 September 2017 of four persons (details supplied). [40877/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the deportation of these four persons. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was notified immediately by one of the persons, and we have since received letters from each of them about this incident.

The leader of the group has led study groups to the West Bank for over ten years, a total of 17 tour groups involving over 400 people. These groups met a range of Israeli and Palestinian NGOs and other interlocutors, and studied issues on the ground relating to the occupation of the West Bank. She had as usual advised the Department in advance of the dates and itinerary of the tour, so that our missions would be aware of a large group of citizens touring the area.

No detailed reason for refusing admission to Israel was given to them, other than a generic explanation that it was for immigration reasons, and in the case of the leader also because of unspecified ‘public security, public safety or public order’ considerations. Thirty-three of the group entered Israel, but four were deported.

No report or allegation has ever been made to the Department of Foreign Affairs of any concerns about the activities of these study groups. The group leader has also stated that she has never taken part in any demonstration in Palestine, nor have any of her groups’ programmes included attendance at a demonstration.

The Ambassador in Tel Aviv has already called to the Israeli Foreign Ministry and requested an explanation for this action. We are awaiting a response. I will ensure that the Deputy, and the persons concerned, are notified when we hear more.