Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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169. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps the Government will take on foot of the boarding of Global Sumud Flotilla vessels, and subsequent detention of Irish citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55377/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that the Irish citizens detained in Israel following their participation on the Global Sumud Flotilla were released and have all returned home.

Following the detention of the citizens, officials from across my Department, including the Embassy in Tel Aviv, undertook intensive diplomatic efforts to secure this outcome, working in conjunction with international partners. An Embassy team, including our Ambassador to Israel, visited the detention facility and provided all possible and appropriate consular assistance. The Ambassador also made direct representations to the Israeli authorities with regard to particular requirements necessitated by individuals within the group.

As we closely monitored the progress of the Flotilla, I contacted the EU’s High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas to urge the EU to collectively raise our concerns for the safety and wellbeing of all those on board. I remained in contact with EU and international partners, including my Spanish counterpart, regarding assistance for Irish citizens affected. I also joined a statement with 15 other Foreign Ministers to express concern about the security of the Global Sumud Flotilla, calling on all parties to refrain from any unlawful or violent acts.

Ireland also registered our strong concern about the actions of the Israeli authorities and highlighted at all times our absolute expectation that the welfare of our citizens was protected in line with international law.

While the Department’s travel advice has consistently been to strongly advise against all travel to the Gaza Strip, and to all border areas between the Gaza Strip and Israel, the provision of consular assistance is a cornerstone of the work of the Department. I know that this was a difficult time for the Irish citizens concerned and their families.

Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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170. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current welfare and position of the Irish nationals detained by Israel following after participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla. [55437/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Irish citizens detained on the Global Sumud Flotilla have now departed Israel and have returned home.

This welcome outcome was secured after intensive efforts by officials in my Department, including the Embassy team in Tel Aviv, working in conjunction with international partners.

Throughout this period, our primary concern was to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those detained. With this in mind, the Embassy team in Tel Aviv visited our citizens while being held in the detention facility and provided all possible and appropriate consular assistance.

I know that this has been a difficult time for both the Irish citizens and their families, and I pay tribute to their strength throughout.