merrion street

Seven persons travelling on the MV Saoirse who have been detained by the Israeli authorities were due to be deported from Israel today. A further seven are due to depart tomorrow.

Our Embassy in Israel has been informed by the Israeli authorities that a problem arose this morning with the carrier which prevented the departure of the group scheduled to leave today. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Eamon Gilmore, who met with the Israeli Ambassador yesterday evening to press Israel to arrange for the early release of the persons detained, has instructed the Embassy to reinforce with the Israeli authorities his demand for their earliest possible departure.

While responsibility for the travel arrangements of the persons detained rests with the Israeli authorities, our Embassy is also active in seeking to secure alternative travel arrangements for the persons who were due to leave today.