Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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321. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to exercise discretion to accept UNRWA cards as sufficient proof of refugee status for family reunification or humanitarian admission; that a family be admitted (details supplied) under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015 (discretionary provisions), or via a special humanitarian admission programme, as other EU states have done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51006/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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In common with the position for all non-EU nationals, entry of Palestinian nationals must be undertaken through the existing legal immigration pathways. It is possible to apply for a visa and for permission to remain in Ireland based on a variety of different reasons, including employment, education or a family relationship.

Details of these legal pathways can be found on the Immigration Service website at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie.

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.

Family reunification under Section 56 of the International Protection Act 2015 gives certain family members an immigration permission allowing them to live in Ireland with the holder of an international protection declaration. Applications for family reunification must be made within 12 months of the being declared as a Refugee or as a Beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection, subject to the provisions of the Act.

Information on how to apply is available on the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration's website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/family-reunification-of-international-protection-holders/.

Non EEA nationals legally resident in Ireland, and considering family reunification, should also be aware of the Department’s “Policy on Non-EEA Family Reunification in Ireland”, available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.

This policy document sets out the criteria and specific requirements for any person considering making an application to be joined by family members in the State.