Seanad debates

Wednesday, 9 April 2025

Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters

Visa Applications

2:00 am

Photo of Tom ClonanTom Clonan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. Jehad and Rina al Sabah are actually out of Gaza. That is the most critical aspect of this. They are now in northern Egypt and therefore some of the barriers and the obstacles to their liberation from what is effectively a ghetto, a concentration camp created by the Israeli military, have been removed.

I am heartened to hear of the precedent of Palestinian children and family members being brought to Ireland under that medical category of visa. I think it is called a stamp 3 visa, though I might stand corrected on that. Given the precedent that exists, if we bring Jehad and Rina here, it will save Jehad's life. He is 57 years of age. He might see his children again and in time, God willing, Inshallah, his grandchildren. This is something we can do for him and the family.

Again, that link with Rawan getting the pharmacy scholarship to Trinity College demonstrates the family is already making contributions to our society, such as working with the Red Cross. I thank the Minister of State for his support. If he could convey this to the Minister’s officials, I would really appreciate it.

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