Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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59. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens murdered by Israel in the course of their genocide against the Palestinian people of Gaza; the number of Irish citizens that remain in Gaza; the number of whom remain that have sought the assistance of his Department to leave Gaza; the number who have been killed while unable to leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46259/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Since the start of this crisis, my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit from Gaza of those Irish citizens, and immediate dependents, who have expressed a wish to leave. 

My Department is aware of the deaths of two Irish citizens in Gaza since October 2023. One Irish citizen was also killed in Israel during the 7 October 2023 terrorist attacks. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to each of the families, and to all the families that have lost loved ones during this period. 

There remains four Irish citizens, including a minor, in Gaza. The Department has secured permission for these individuals to depart Gaza. However in each case the family has decided to remain until all family members are in a position to travel. I respect their decision and recognise the reality that many families have faced painful decisions to either remain in Gaza or be separated from loved ones.

There are also a small number of dependents of Irish citizens remaining in Gaza. My Department is continuing to provide support to these individuals where possible. Exit from Gaza is dependent on receipt of permission from the relevant local authorities, both in Israel and in certain circumstances neighbouring jurisdictions. Such permissions are outside the control of the Government of Ireland.