Irish ambassador subjected to 'unacceptable' treatment by Israel, Martin says

First of all, say that it was not appropriate to do it in the manner that it was done. I think they're understood international norms in terms of engaging with diplomats. We certainly anticipated that our ambassador Simon McGuinness would be brought in. But I think the practice of bringing in the national media as well and then having them sitting there looking at a bigger video but with the media sort of scrutinising them and watching them, I think that's not appropriate at all. I've checked with others. That's not something any state would normally do or is not a manner in which states would engage with diplomats. I'm going to pay tribute to Sonia McGinnis. She's an outstanding diplomat and has worked extremely hard in a very, very difficult environment, and her work underpins the value of diplomacy and why I'm very anxious to maintain diplomatic relations, particularly in a time of crisis. She was particularly effective with her ambassador in Egypt, for example in Cairo. In respect of getting. Irish citizens out of Gaza. At the time and we will maintain and we will engage I when I engage with ambassadors I would have. Invited in the Israeli ambassador to meet me I don't believe in a big demonstrative, demonstrative sort of approaches to ambassadors it's not my my approach I believe in basic common decency, treating people with respect and I treat diplomats they're the representatives of the state, they're doing a job I treat them with respect and we've had engagements with the. Israeli ambassador here in Ireland and I've always done it on a professional, respectful way and that's how I intend to continue.