Written answers
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Departmental Correspondence
Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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88. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a detailed report regarding an urgent matter outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48121/25]
Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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89. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the case of a family trapped in Gaza (details supplied); if he will provide an update on their evacuation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48178/25]
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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92. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are plans to establish a process or mechanism by which Irish citizens in Gaza, who have lost their documentation during the ongoing genocide can be issued with urgent or temporary documents to assist in their evacuation; the steps he will take in the case of Irish citizens trapped in Gaza (details supplied ); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48229/25]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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94. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to issues relating to Irish citizens in Gaza (details supplied). [48300/25]
Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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95. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will urgently issue emergency travel documentation for a person (details supplied); if he will arrange evacuation from Gaza to allow them and their family to travel to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48306/25]
Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
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96. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether his Department will provide emergency travel documentation to a family (details supplied); and whether his Department is currently engaging with the individuals concerned. [48503/25]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 89, 92, 94, 95 and 96 together.
I am keenly aware of the case raised by the deputies, and I am cognisant of the challenges the family faces, particularly considering the exceptionally difficult situation on the ground.
Since the beginning of the crisis in Gaza, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has supported and facilitated the travel of more than 200 people from Gaza to Ireland. This figure includes both Irish citizens and their immediate dependents.
However, facilitating an exit from Gaza is not straightforward. It is dependent on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, receipt of permissions from the relevant authorities. Much of this rests outside the control of the Government of Ireland.
My Department continues to explore options to assist individuals in Gaza who fulfil certain criteria, but is limited in the assistance if can provide to non-Irish citizens. Unfortunately travel cannot be guaranteed.
In this particular case, officers from my Department have been in regular contact with the family to provide advice and assistance. I can confirm that my Department has secured relevant documentation for the entire family, including visa approvals and permission from the relevant authorities, to exit Gaza.
Unfortunately, one member of the family requires a new travel document to permit exit and onward travel. Issuance of travel documents to non-EU nationals is entirely outside the control of my Department. Consular officers have advised that this individual should engage with the relevant authorities to request issuance of a new travel document.
My Department has also advised the family that those that can travel should do so as soon as possible. Indeed, four out of five members of the family were offered the opportunity to leave Gaza during recent evacuation operations, but they made the decision to remain until the entire family are in a position to leave.
I understand the very difficult decision the family faces. I can assure you that our officials will maintain contact with the family and assist within the limits outlined above.
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