Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

In July, the Taoiseach's Government blocked 33 Palestinian children and their coaches from taking part in a GAA tour of Ireland for over a hundred host families and communities nationwide who had raised funds and planned their welcome. The Taoiseach's justice Minister, Jim O'Callaghan, and the Tánaiste, Simon Harris, told us that the reason was insufficient documentation, but we now learn through freedom of information that Department of justice officials were concerned mainly that Israel would not let them return or that there was a risk of overstay. I believe the Tánaiste and the justice Minister should apologise to the House for misleading it, but I ask the Taoiseach to ensure that future visits are not blocked in this way and that Israel's threats do not dictate Irish visa policy.

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