Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 729 and 730 together.

I can confirm to the Deputy that neither myself or officials of my Department, have had any engagement with the government of Israel, any state body of the government of Israel, or any engagement within or with Israel during the years specified.

I can also confirm that neither myself or officials of my Department have had any engagement with the Palestinian Authority, any organ of the Palestinian Authority, or any engagement within, or with organisations in, the Occupied Palestinian Territory during the years specified.

In relation to Minister of State O’Brien, I am advised that he undertook an official visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory in March 2022. In Israel, he held a number of meetings, including with a member of the Israeli Knesset who advocates for Palestinian rights. In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, he undertook another meeting with a member of the Israeli Knesset who advocates for Palestinian rights. He also held a number of meetings with civil society organisations, the United Nations, and met with the Chair of the Palestinian Environment Quality Authority in Ramallah. He also visited a refugee camp, a school, and a checkpoint.

Minister of State O’Brien also met with the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland on 9^thNovember 2022.