Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
149. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will amend its policy to include first degree relatives on the list of evacuees that is being used to ensure their safe passage out of Gaza. [2578/24]
View answerSince the start of this crisis my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit from Gaza of those Irish citizens, and accompanying dependents, who have expressed a wish to leave.
The Government, through our Embassies in the region, has consistently sought clearance for all Irish citizens who wish to exit Gaza to do so. We continue to advocate with the authorities in relation to a small number of citizens who have not yet been permitted to leave and we stand ready to assist other Irish citizens and accompanying dependents wishing to exit Gaza.
The authorities have made clear that the focus for facilitated departures from Gaza is for foreign and dual nationals, and immediate dependents accompanying them.
To date, 57 Irish citizens and their dependents have been assisted to exit Gaza. Dependents have included the spouses and minor children of Irish citizens, along with dependent parents accompanying an Irish citizen, where they met the visa eligibility requirements set by the Department of Justice. Let me assure you, Deputy, that we are giving very close consideration to these matters, given the gravity of the situation in Gaza.
In line with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter, the remit of my Department is to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad. This has been our focus since the crisis began.
The population of Gaza is 2.3 million people. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and many of those living in Gaza are seeking to leave. In recent weeks, my Department has received many enquiries regarding the situation of individuals, including people with ties to Ireland or already holding a visa for Ireland.
Any decision on clearance for these individuals to leave Gaza will be made by the relevant local authorities. The issuance of visas to non-nationals wishing to enter Ireland is a matter for the Department of Justice. Holders of valid Irish visas who receive clearance to exit Gaza from the local authorities may make arrangements to travel to Ireland.
