Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2024
129. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide the number of times the Irish ambassador to Israel has appeared on Israeli state TV and radio or written opinion pieces in Haretz in the past 12 months, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17093/24]
View answerEngaging in extensive public diplomacy activities is an important part of the role of Ireland's Ambassador to Israel. This typically involves a wide range of activities, such as engagement with universities, media outreach and social media. The Embassy in Tel Aviv regularly engages with a variety of Israeli organisations to effectively communicate Ireland's perspective. Due to the ongoing conflict, and the challenging local context, officials in the Embassy in Israel have not focused on media appearances over the last 12 months.
I have undertaken two visits to Israel over the period concerned, which have formed a central component of Ireland’s public diplomacy and communications strategy during this time. During both visits – which took place under different circumstances - I prioritised extensive press and media engagement, including a dedicated press programme for my visit in September. That visit also afforded me the opportunity to deliver a keynote address to the Israel Council on Foreign Relations, providing an opportunity to convey Ireland’s perspective in detail to an Israeli domestic audience. Further opportunities for press and media engagement on the ground are kept under ongoing review.
