Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

100. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens currently in Gaza; what contacts his Department have had looking for assistance; what efforts are being made to repatriate those looking to escape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47448/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department is in very regular contact with a number of Irish citizens in the region, including with a group of citizens wishing to leave Gaza.

We are liaising with all relevant authorities in respect of the individual cases and we are coordinating with EU other international partners to support Irish citizens to exit from Gaza when that becomes possible.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the situation in Gaza is critical. Ireland has echoed the UN Secretary General’s call for a humanitarian pause, to allow aid to reach those now in desperate need in Gaza.

Ireland welcomes the entry of the first convoys of trucks carrying much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, the level of aid passing through needs to be accelerated as a matter of urgency.

We are continuing to engage with EU and regional partners on this, to encourage a rapid increase in aid allowed to pass through into Gaza.