The Strangford MLA was speaking after it was reported that the Education Minister, Paul Givan, alongside members from Unionist parties, including the DUP, UUP and TUV, embarked on a seven-day trip to Israel last week.
Mr Mathison said: “Paul Givan’s recent actions and statements in relation to Israel and Palestine have been incredibly concerning, not least his decision to undertake a visit to Israel, which it appears has been funded by the Israeli Government.
"It is entirely understandable that many have expressed concerns about the appropriateness of the trip and the Minister's decision to attend. Over the past two years, the world has watched in horror as Israel continued to commit atrocities in Gaza. It is clear that the Education Minister and his department have significant questions to answer.
“A recent statement from the Department of Education, promoting the Minister’s trip, has created additional confusion regarding whether the Minister was attending for party business or departmental business. There was no prior indication that this was a departmental engagement, making its promotion on official department platforms both surprising and inappropriate.
“There should be no blurring of the Minister's private political activity and the work of the Department. It is vital that clarity on the role of the Department in this trip is provided urgently.
“I will be seeking clarity from the Minister and his officials around the departmental role in this visit. It is vital that there is full transparency in relation to the nature of the trip to Israel in the context of the ongoing conflict.”
Mr Mathison said: “Paul Givan’s recent actions and statements in relation to Israel and Palestine have been incredibly concerning, not least his decision to undertake a visit to Israel, which it appears has been funded by the Israeli Government.
"It is entirely understandable that many have expressed concerns about the appropriateness of the trip and the Minister's decision to attend. Over the past two years, the world has watched in horror as Israel continued to commit atrocities in Gaza. It is clear that the Education Minister and his department have significant questions to answer.
“A recent statement from the Department of Education, promoting the Minister’s trip, has created additional confusion regarding whether the Minister was attending for party business or departmental business. There was no prior indication that this was a departmental engagement, making its promotion on official department platforms both surprising and inappropriate.
“There should be no blurring of the Minister's private political activity and the work of the Department. It is vital that clarity on the role of the Department in this trip is provided urgently.
“I will be seeking clarity from the Minister and his officials around the departmental role in this visit. It is vital that there is full transparency in relation to the nature of the trip to Israel in the context of the ongoing conflict.”