Written answers
Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Department of Justice and Equality
Visa Applications
Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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975. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will instruct her Department to provide support to people from Gaza who have lost almost all their immediate families (details supplied); if she will provide clear instructions about any way that they may apply for a visa so that their family can join them in Ireland once the Rafah crossing opens; if there is a sponsorship programme that they could avail of to assist in coming here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46874/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department has worked 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.
While a specific admission programme in respect of Gaza does not exist, all existing immigration arrangements and programmes are open to the persons affected. Details of the various pathways can be found on the Immigration Service website at the following link: Visa applications for family members of Palestinian nationals living in Ireland are considered on a case-by-case basis and, wherever possible, they are processed speedily and sympathetically. My Department is in regular contact with the Embassy of Ireland in Israel regarding a number of visa applications, from residents of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. The Embassy are actively engaging with applicants to gather the required documents to ensure that the Visa Division of my Department have everything needed progress these applications.
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