Politicians demanded Israeli flag be taken down from display in Leinster House

The Israeli flag at Embassy in Dublin. File picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

Politicians have demanded an Israeli flag be taken down from display in Leinster House.

The flag was erected beside an Irish and Palestinian flag in the Dignitaries Room in the building on Friday, though the Houses of the Oireachtas has not clarified in what context.

Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin said that the Taoiseach should demand the flag's removal, which comes just days after a Palestinian flag was flown on the campus to mark Irish recognition of Palestine. 

Mr O Broin said: "I haven't been given any explanation as to why there's an Israeli flag in the Oireachtas at the moment, but it shouldn't be there. 

"It's absolutely scandalous when the government of Israel is committing genocide on a daily basis, when they're bombing refugee camps, hospitals, killing journalists and human rights defenders, and particularly given the week we've had with Ireland recognising the state Palestine. That flag should not be there and the Taoiseach should step in and have it removed.

"Because I think the overwhelming majority of people will be scratching their heads in disbelief."

Sinn Féin senator Lynn Boylan tweeted: "This is utterly inappropriate. The Israeli flag is flying in Leinster House in the week that we recognised the State of Palestine and while the bombardment of innocent Palestinian civilians continues. This needs to be taken down immediately."

A spokesperson for the Houses of the Oireachtas Service said the decision had been made by Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaill.

"[The] Ceann Comhairle asked for both flags to fly side by side, for one day, as an expression of the need for a two-state peaceful resolution."

Meanwhile, the Palestinian flag that was flown on the day that Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood earlier this week has been taken down. 

Asked about the decision to take down the flag, an Oireacthas spokeswoman said: “The flag was flown to coincide with the Government’s motion in the Dáil last Tuesday.”

While the flag has been removed from outside Leinster House, another Palestinian flag is on display within an entrance hall to the building.