Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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439. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason it took so long for the visa application for the 33 young players and 14 mentors for the Moataz Sarsour GAA club in the Palestinian Occupied Territories to be determined on and rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40472/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the applications for 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.

Appeals have been received by my Department in respect of these decisions. My Department is actively reviewing these appeals and will endeavour to issue decisions promptly.