The two Palestinian militants invited to take up temporary residence in this State were brought to Madrid yesterday and are expected to arrive in Ireland this afternoon.
The men are part of a group from the siege of Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity who have been accepted as refugees by six EU member-states. The Government is not releasing their names unless they give their consent, in accordance with an agreement between the receiving countries.
Arrangements were being made with the Spanish authorities yesterday to bring the pair to Ireland. It was expected that the Spanish Interior Ministry would organise transportation.
An Israeli-Palestinian war of words has broken out over the background of the group. According to Israeli security sources, they are members of different terrorist organisations and have been involved in a lengthy catalogue of violent activities.
The Israeli allegations against them include abduction, murder, car-bombing, shooting attacks, possession of weapons, bomb-making, financing terrorist operations, attacks on civilians, involvement in suicide bombings, mortar attacks, executions and terrorist recruitment.
Commenting on the two men who are coming to Ireland, the Palestinian Delegate-General (ambassador), Mr Ali Halimeh said: "I can assure people that they will constitute no threat to anybody. They are decent human beings and not what the Israelis are describing. They would love to go back to their home as soon as possible."
He said it was "a painful compromise" for the Palestinian Authority to agree to the deportations. Praising the Government for agreeing to take two members of the group, he said: "It is a good thing and we are grateful to Ireland."
Dismissing accusations against the men as "rubbish", he said it was "typical Israeli propaganda".
The Department of Justice is arranging accommodation at an unspecified location. The men will not be under arrest, but will not be permitted to leave the State. They will be allowed remain here for an initial period of 12 months. If they have not returned home by then, they can apply for political asylum.
They are considered unlikely to take part in public political activities during their stay. Their families are also expected to apply for entry to Ireland.