Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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4. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on his recent engagements with other states regarding the genocide in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38251/25]

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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What interaction has the Tánaiste had with other states, particularly in the EU, about Gaza? His colleagues in the EU Parliament will today apparently endorse Ursula von der Leyen despite her complete approval of the genocide that is taking place. She made comments about Israel's right to defend itself at a time when the Tánaiste has recognised that a genocide is taking place. Ireland will row in and support Ursula von der Leyen in the Parliament today on a vote of confidence.

I also want to ask about the visas.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Today's censure motion in the European Parliament is a stunt by the far right and people that the President of the European Commission has referred to as "Putin's puppets". They are seeking to divide Europe at this time. I am disappointed to see the far left lining up with the far right on this issue. The censure motion, by the way, has nothing whatsoever to do with Gaza. As the Deputy knows, it relates to a different issue around a ruling relating to text messages. The impact of the censure motion would be that Maroš Šefčovič, the EU Trade Commissioner, to whom I hope to talk later today, would be out of a job. Our very excellent Commissioner from Ireland, Michael McGrath from Cork, would be out of a job. The entire European Commission would be out on its ear. To even fathom for a moment that it is an intelligent thing to do at a time of huge global instability is pathetic politics. That is my strong and clear view in that regard.

On the Middle East, I absolutely believe what is happening to the people of Gaza is a genocide, as do the Taoiseach and the Irish Government. We have been clear in that regard. Of course, the Middle East, as a region, is experiencing major instability with multiple crises and conflicts, many of which are interrelated. The situation in Gaza is appalling and deteriorating. Those words do not capture the situation. That was an understatement. The same is true of the situation in the West Bank. These remain a central focus of my engagement and that of the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, with the EU and other international counterparts.

Ireland has consistently condemned the ongoing activities of Israel in Gaza. The current volume and pace of aid delivered into Gaza under Israel's so-called partial lifting of the blockade remains extraordinarily insufficient to meet the needs of Gaza's entire population. As Deputy Ó Laoghaire reminded us, we have seen people killed while queuing for aid. I share the concerns of the United Nations and other credible international actors that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is not operating in accordance with any humanitarian principles or law.

I welcome the fact that ceasefire talks are under way. I had the opportunity to speak to the Qatari Prime Minister and foreign minister in Dublin last week. I commend the role of mediators and their efforts to secure progress. Ireland has repeatedly, both bilaterally and at a multilateral level, called on Israel to comply with international law, stressing the universal applicability of international law.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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Given all the Tánaiste has said about recognising there is a genocide and our State's recognition of the Palestinian state, how can we refuse visas to children who are coming here to escape the bombardment in Gaza? Moataz Sarsour GAA Club has been refused visas. From talking and writing with the people involved, I know they have complied on multiple occasions with all the requests of the Department of justice. They have said they found it completely unprofessional and bureaucratic and thought barriers were being put in their way.

We have failed to give medical evacuation to Palestinian children-----

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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No, we have not.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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-----who were promised care. The Government has stalled the treatment of 18 children from Palestine. The Tánaiste can clarify the situation, but it seems as if it has been stalled because those children may be bringing siblings with them. There seems to be an appalling attitude to getting people over here. I have, for example, tried to get the wife of a citizen and constituent over here. That man is a doctor. I have been told to go through the normal process. Is there no extra help for people coming from Gaza, given what is happening there?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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It seems mealy-mouthed in the extreme to call it a genocide when, as one of the richest countries in the world, with a massive budget surplus and health service, a basic thing we could do is to treat some of these children who have suffered the most appalling treatment. They are now being checked repeatedly to ensure that only one person is coming with them. This is terrible.

Why is this GAA club facing these barriers? The Tánaiste cited child protection. The GAA itself has comprehensive child protection rules. We opened up for American Football and all sorts of other things in recent times. These children are coming to participate in a well-known institution in this country. They are coming to visit Croke Park and play matches but their visas are being stalled. From speaking on, and listening to, the radio, we know they would have complied with all of the requests.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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They have not.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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Why should doctors who are trying to escape from Gaza have to go through the normal process? Can we not give some extra help?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Those are two distinct issues. For medical evacuations, we are not saying it is one plus one. There has not been a one plus one scenario. Twelve children have arrived. In a one plus one scenario, that would mean the arrival of 24 people. More than 40 people have arrived so far through that programme.

I do not want to be too argumentative on a sensitive issue but there must be rules and checks. The reality is that if there are children from far-flung parts of the world travelling to this country with adults, some of whom are not their parents, there need to be legitimate checks in respect of child protection. I do not think any immigration system in the world would grant visas without satisfying itself in respect of visa applications for minors. There are issues around birth certificates and consent letters. These are important things. We cannot just tear up the rule book when it comes to migration. There do have to be rules in place. Of course we will work with people but the rules apply in relation to visas. Ireland is not just tearing up its migration system or its rules in this regard.