Higgins lashes Israeli treatment of athlete

Labour's Michael D Higgins has criticised the Israeli government for preventing a 21-year-old Palestinian athlete from travelling to Ireland for the Special Olympics.

The handball player, who has Down Syndrome, was refused permission to attend the games because of an Israeli policy blocking residents of the Palestinian territories from travelling abroad.

Deputy Higgins said Israel's attitude to the disabled athlete was offensive.

"It is really an incredible action against humanity, not just against the young person, but against all of the people of Gaza and all of those who are interested in allowing anybody who has reached a standard to participate," he said.

"All of these are offended by the Israeli decision."