Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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677. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department has given any consideration to the provision of emergency visas for people fleeing Gaza, similar to what was provided to people fleeing Afghanistan in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38731/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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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 Government decisions, steps to support the medical evacuation of a number of sick children and their immediate family 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