Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1084. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to open a special humanitarian pathway for residents of Gaza who have family residing in Ireland; if visa applications for residents of Gaza are being prioritised by her Department and the relevant embassy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1183/24]
View answerI am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department is working 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.
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.
