Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
424. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of a case of a person (details supplied); if she will expedite the visa application so the person can join their family in Ireland and escape the dangers being faced in Gaza. [21963/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra456. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the case of a Palestinian woman (details supplied); and if she will take the required steps to facilitate her passage to be reunited with her parents and siblings in Ireland. [21484/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra462. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been forcibly displaced four times in Gaza after the building in which they lived was completely destroyed and whose parents and siblings in Ireland are desperate for the person to join them; if she and her Government colleagues will implement special measures in fast-tracking visa applications, similar to the fast-tracking of visa applications for Ukrainian refugees, for Palestinians who urgently want to join family here; if she will expedite the person’s visa application as a matter of priority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21623/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 424, 456 and 462 together.
I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department is working closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs 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.
I can inform the Deputy that following full consideration by a Visa Officer, the visa application referred to was refused. A letter issued to the applicant on 18 March 2024 outlines the reasons for this refusal.
An appeals process is available which allows applicants, in the event of a refusal of the application at first instance, to address the factors which gave rise to that decision.
I can advise the Deputy that the Visa Division of my Department are awaiting essential documentation in relation to an appeal of the decision to refuse this application. The appeal cannot be processed until this is received.
When making an appeal, the applicant should take into account the reasons for refusal listed in the refusal letter. The appeal should include any further information or additional documentation they wish to have considered, and should be sent for the attention of the Visa Appeals Officer, in the relevant Visa Office, where the matter will be considered afresh. The applicant will find further details on the appeals process at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/appeal-a-negative-decision/.
