Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

There are a couple of things there. These are all important issues. On the medical evacuation of children from Gaza, we are fully committed. Genuinely and truthfully, there is an absolute commitment. We have committed to four groups of children. Two have come already and two more are due. The original ask, for the want of a better phrase, was one child accompanied by one parent or guardian. In practice, that does not always work. Going from memory, we have seen 12 children coming in but a total of 45 people in the round. We have gone beyond, if you like, one plus one for good humanitarian reasons. The Ministers for Health and justice have indicated that they just want absolute clarity. It will not cause a delay. I have been assured of that, and have spoken to my Department in this regard. Officials have been in touch with our people in the region. I have spoken to the Ministers for Health and justice. The Taoiseach and I discussed the issue on Monday night. We are fully committed to the medical evacuation programme.

On the issue of visas, we absolutely do grant visit visas but each visa application must be decided on its own merits. When children are being brought here, we must comply with child protection laws. There is ongoing engagement in that regard and the appeal process is open to anybody.

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