Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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246. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the death of a journalist (details supplied); the measures that he will take at the levels of the European Union and United Nations to highlight the ongoing abuse of human rights in Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25745/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I strongly condemn the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh on 11 May as she carried out her vital work as a journalist.

Media freedom and the safety of journalists must be protected, including in situations of conflict, and I call for an immediate impartial, independent and effective investigation into Ms Abu Akleh's killing. Accountability must be ensured and those responsible brought to justice.

I also condemn unreservedly the policing of the funeral in Jerusalem, which was attended by Ireland’s Representative in Ramallah. The use of force against mourners by the Jerusalem police was wholly unacceptable and rightly attracted widespread condemnation.

On 11 May, the EU condemned Ms Abu Akleh’s killing, calling for a thorough and independent investigation. The EU expressed solidarity with journalists and emphasised the importance of supporting their fundamental work, in particular while covering conflicts. On 13 May, the EU’s High Representative/Vice President, Josep Borell Fontelles, also made a statement in response to the use of force by the Israeli police at Ms Abu Akleh’s funeral.

On 13 May, Ireland joined other members of the UN Security Council in condemning Ms Abu Akleh’s killing and stressing the need for accountability. The Council called for an immediate, thorough, transparent, and fair and impartial investigation into her killing and recalled that journalists should be protected as civilians.

The overall human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory remains a key priority for me as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Ireland will continue to seize every opportunity to stress the need for respect for human rights and full accountability. I am committed to working with partners to promote coherent and effective EU and UN action towards a lasting and peaceful two-state solution.