Written answers
Wednesday, 13 December 2023
Department of Justice and Equality
Middle East
Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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163. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of the number of people currently in Gaza who have permission to remain in Ireland, or who have visas to live, study or work in Ireland; the steps being taken by her Department to assist them in exiting Gaza; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55519/23]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department is acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and is working closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure a coordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs provides consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad. Since the start of the current crisis, the Department of Foreign Affairs has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit from Gaza of Irish citizens, and accompanying dependents, that have expressed a wish to leave. To date 56 Irish citizens and their dependants have been assisted to leave Gaza.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and many of those living in Gaza are seeking to leave. Any decision on clearance for these individuals to leave Gaza will be made by the relevant local authorities.
Where a person has a current permission to remain in Ireland and an in date Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card they are entitled in Irish law to leave and return to the State without having to secure a new travel visa.
Information is not available on the number of people currently outside of the State and present in Gaza who hold an Irish immigration permission.
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