Yesterday, the House supported a motion in respect of the incident that occurred on the international seas when a vessel was boarded and lives were lost as a result of actions by the Israeli Government and commandos. The international community has made a clear call for the ending of the blockade of Gaza, a call the Israeli Government continues to ignore. In respect of the Irish citizens who are currently detained, what assurances has the Taoiseach sought and been given in respect of the timetable and schedule for their safe return and repatriation? Is the Taoiseach able to give these details to the House?

In respect of the MV Rachel Corrie, an Irish registered ship which is in international waters and heading for Gaza, what assurances has the Taoiseach sought and been given in respect of the vessel being allowed to enter Gazan waters and discharge its cargo of humanitarian aid, as has been the wish of the Government? If the MV Rachel Corrie is prevented from entering Gazan waters, what action does the Government propose to take? Has the Taoiseach been given a specific and clear assurance that there will be no repetition of the recent violent action which resulted in death?

The Irish ambassador and deputy head of mission visited and spoke to each detainee yesterday. Shane Dillon has returned to Ireland and there are six citizens remaining. It has been widely stated that it is the intention of the Israeli Government to release all detainees some time today. I urge the Israeli Government to immediately release the Irish and other detainees. It is understood that arrangements will be made for their departure from the airport which is two hours from the prison. The Spanish and European Union ambassadors are in Israel pressing for immediate confirmation that all detainees will be immediately released. The Spanish ambassador is in Israel because Spain holds the rotating Presidency of the European Union. The Irish ambassador is in contact with all of the families involved and will inform them the minute the release is official.

Regarding the MV Rachel Corrie, this is an Irish owned vessel which is not registered in Ireland but in Cambodia. There are Irish people on board and the ship, as Deputy Kenny noted, is heading towards Gaza and is still in international waters. We are in constant contact with the Israeli Government on this matter, advising absolute restraint in relation to the vessel as it goes about its humanitarian purpose. Cement, which is on board the vessel, is not regarded by the Israelis as a product that is simply humanitarian. We await what emerges from the definition Israel has put forward. We are in constant contact with the Israeli Government on this matter.

I thank the Taoiseach for that clarification. Strong words demand strong action. Has the Taoiseach been given any assurances in respect of the fact that the MV Rachel Corrie may well be prevented from entering Gazan waters to discharge its cargo? What action does the Government propose to take if that possibility becomes a reality?

The report into the use of Irish passports by those involved in a murder in Dubai earlier this year has been leaked to the media. This has potentially serious consequences for relations between Ireland and Israel in view of the fact that the Israeli ambassador, Mr. Evrony, when contacted by the Government, stated he had no knowledge of these matters. Will the Taoiseach confirm that the report leaked to the media states clearly that a security official in the Israeli Embassy was involved in this incident, particularly in regard to sourcing numbers for the illegal use of Irish passports, which have a high standing and reputation internationally? Will he confirm that this information is contained in the report and that it recommends the expulsion of a security officer from the Israeli embassy? Is it the intention of the Government to act swiftly in this matter? Will the Taoiseach state what are the Government's intentions in this regard?

On the second matter the Deputy raised, as my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, reported to the House, the Government will soon decide what action to take on the issue of the use of forged Irish passports in the assassination of Mr. al-Mabhouh in Dubai. The Government is anxious that this important matter be given the attention and focus it merits and does not become mixed up with events off the coast of Gaza. It remains the Minister's intention to shortly propose to the Government the action he believes appropriate in this case. The Government is on record about the gravity with which it views the fraudulent use of Irish passports or passport details. I do not wish to anticipate the proposal by the Minister to the Government or the Government's consideration of such a proposal. I cannot comment on reports.

On the other matter, the Israeli Government maintains its position regarding what it regards as humanitarian aid. We are in constant contact with it and with those on board the MV Rachel Corrie.