John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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85. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the Government's response to the refusal of the Israeli government to co-operate with an FBI investigation into the death of the US Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57921/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have strongly condemned the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh and have repeatedly called for a thorough independent investigation. I am aware of the recent decision taken by the United States authorities and the reaction to this by the Israeli Government. I also note the statements which have been made by the Palestinian Authority and by Ms Abu Akleh’s family welcoming this decision.

Following the investigation by the Israeli authorities, which concluded that there is a high possibility that Ms Abu Akleh was killed by IDF gunfire, Ireland continued to call for an impartial, independent, and effective investigation and for accountability.

The Israeli authorities should cooperate with independent investigations into Ms Abu Akleh’s death. A thorough, independent investigation which delivers accountability is the only way to provide justice to her loved ones.

Media freedom and the safety of journalists must be protected, including in situations of conflict. Ms Abu Akleh was a respected and successful journalist, killed while she was engaged in her work bringing greater understanding to the conflict.

It is important that we recall the vital work of journalists in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.  Freedom of the press is an essential pillar of democracy and ensures accountability.  I call on the Israeli authorities to demonstrate that they take the fundamental democratic principle of accountability seriously; and that they are committed to ensuring there is no impunity for those guilty of wrongdoing. I have spoken clearly on this issue, including at the Dáil debate on journalists in armed conflict on 24 May.

Ireland again called for an impartial, independent and effective investigation at the September and October meetings of the UN Security Council on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Ireland has been proactive in ensuring that these issues are highlighted internationally. Furthermore, on 24 May Ireland organised an Arria formula meeting at the Security Council on the protection of journalists.