Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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294. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a special visa programme has been considered for Palestinians undergoing war and genocide in Gaza and the West Bank. [36759/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to work closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and across Government to ensure a coordinated national response to the complex and evolving humanitarian crises in Gaza. This includes work both to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance and, in accordance with a Government decision in September 2024, to support the evacuation of a number of sick children from Gaza for treatment and care.

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 to progress these applications.

While events in Gaza are being kept under constant review, there are no current plans to put in place a programme along the lines suggested by the Deputy.

If any Deputy or Senator wishes to seek assistance with Irish visa applications they can contact my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie.