Written answers

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Department of Justice and Equality

Visa Applications

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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426. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to give clarity on issues with granting visas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40457/25]

Photo of Colm BrophyColm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the applications referred to concerning the members of GAA Palestine were refused on 09 July 2025. I appreciate that the decision to refuse these applications has caused disappointment. These applications were given very careful consideration and the reasons for this refusal have been communicated in the decision letters issued.

Each visa application is decided on its own merits. However, it is the case that the organisation of an event, no matter how good the intention, does not guarantee that a visa will be subsequently granted. Applications made on behalf of minors who are not travelling in the company of their parents must be supported with evidence that appropriate child protection measures are in place during the visit.

In all cases, evidence of financial means, employment or other ties that indicate a person intends to return home are important criteria.

The visa appeals process allows applicants to address any factors of the original refusal decision and have that application considered again. Full consideration is given to any appeal; however the onus is on the applicants to satisfy the Visa Officer that a visa should be granted.

My Department is actively reviewing appeals on these cases and will endeavour to issue decisions promptly.

In relation to the applications referred to for children being medically evacuated from Gaza are concerned, in September last year the Government approved Ireland’s participation in an initiative to evacuate up to 30 sick children from Gaza for treatment and care, following an appeal from the World Health Organisation (WHO). My Department has been supporting the Minister for Health and the HSE, who have primary responsibility to facilitate the evacuation of children out of Gaza. Medical evacuations operations are difficult and several Departments and agencies are working together to get the necessary arrangements in place to evacuate these children.

So far, 12 children have arrived safely in Ireland to receive medical treatment. They have been accompanied by carers and family members.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department’s Visa Division has processed these applications as swiftly as possible and there has been no delays in the processing of visas for evacuees.

My Department remains committed to supporting the evacuation of up to 18 further children in line with Government decisions in this regard and my officials are working closely with the Department of Health regarding future arrivals.

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