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Departmental Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024

Wednesday, 18 September 2024

Ceisteanna (513)

Ged Nash

Ged Nash

Ged Nash

Ceist:

513. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider establishing a programme to provide safe passage via a humanitarian entry visa to Ireland for Palestinians in Gaza, similar to other prior international programmes (details supplied); her views on whether such a programme would provide Gazans with a safe and legal passage to Ireland through neighbouring countries, therefore avoiding perilous journeys and stopping potential exploitation by human traffickers; her views on whether such a programme could also serve as a best-practice model for Ireland and other countries with respect to their broader humanitarian efforts going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36412/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Helen McEntee

Minister for Justice

I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department has worked closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure a coordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation. This includes their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance. Where cases are highlighted by DFA for assistance the Visa Division processes them in as speedy and sympathetic manner as possible.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 the applicants to gather the required documents to ensure that the Visa Division of this Department have everything needed progress these applications.

Any person wishing to travel to Ireland can do so through a number of legal pathways. Details of the various pathways can be found on the Immigration Service website at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/

While all immigration schemes are kept under constant review, currently, there are no plans to introduce a new scheme along the lines suggested by the Deputy.

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