Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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634. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a limit on the number of Palestinian citizens that are minors allowed to enter the State on a short stay visa in a calendar year; the regulations underpinning the limitation of Palestinian minors entering the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32557/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that there is no limit on the number of Irish visas issued to any nationality, regardless of the age of the applicant.

Visa and preclearance applications provide legal avenues for people moving to Ireland for employment, study and family reasons and also to facilitate visitors who wish to travel for business and/or tourism. It is important to recall these applications are screening processes, designed to establish that the person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland prior to travel. Each visa application, regardless of the person's nationality, is decided on its own merits taking all factors into account.

Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system and the checks involved can take time to complete. The documents normally required in support of an application for a Short Stay Visa are set out on my Department website at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/.It is important to note that when minors are seeking to travel to Ireland, the key consideration for officials is the welfare of the child concerned. My Department is committed to the highest standards in child safeguarding. Visa Officers may seek additional information to ensure that children are travelling in the company of their parents or an appropriate guardian. My Department publishes advice on travelling with children and the documents which may be requested by immigration officer at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/at-the-border/travelling-with-children/.If a Palestinian national wishes to enter Ireland for up to 90 days they must apply for a Type C Short Stay Visa. Any person that wishes to make a visa application must do so online at: www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx.