Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department and I are keenly aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure a coordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation. This includes their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance.

Ireland also strongly supports UNRWA, which does exceptional work under difficult circumstances to provide services to Palestinian refugees.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Taoiseach attended the European Council meeting on 25-26 October at which Heads of State and Government discussed the situation on the ground, called for adherence to international law, and for unhindered humanitarian access.

Insofar as the Temporary Protection Directive is concerned, this Directive is applicable to what is defined as a "mass influx" into the EU of displaced persons from third countries who are unable to return to their country of origin, in particular where there is a risk to the operation of the asylum system, circumstances which do not apply at this time in this instance. Activation of the Protection Directive requires a proposal from the EU Commission and a majority decision by the Council of the EU.