We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Palestinian GAA children visas

Summary

Deputy Devine again pressed for action on the 33 Palestinian children due to travel for a GAA visit, saying the delay had upset hosts and coaches. The Tánaiste said all sides were acting in good faith but that the visas had to be processed through the normal system.

Thirty-three children in the GAA Palestine club were due to travel. I know the Tánaiste is very aware of the issue as a lot of my colleagues have raised it. Seven days prior to travel, they were told they need to provide more information and it has been quite devastating and upsetting for the coaches, for the hosts, for both Deputy Ó Snodaigh and me and for the Good Counsel club in Drimnagh, which is hosting them. I have sent all the relevant information to the Tánaiste and the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan. There is a very regrettable mix-up and we will just leave it there for now. My ask today is that the Tánaiste and the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, meet the GAA organisers and support them in resolving this as soon as possible. Please let them play.

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I thank the Deputy for raising this. We had an informal word on this issue last night and I know of her very sincere and good interest in this matter and I acknowledge that. Everybody acknowledges that everyone is acting in good faith here. People here in Ireland are trying to do something good for children from a war-torn area. There is no two ways about that and I acknowledge that too. On the information available to me, when applications came in for visas, and without overly getting into individual applications, they were processed in a very efficient way. Applications were being submitted at various points up to May. To be given a decision by 9 July, if anything, seems to be a faster processing time in terms of an answer than usual, probably because of the sensitivity of this. There are legitimate issues. The migration service would not be doing its job, from a child protection point of view, if it did not raise those issues. There is an appeals process open. I know that while it is a matter for the Department of justice, my diplomatic colleagues in Tel Aviv and other places provide information on the best way forward and give the best advice possible. That will continue.

Comment on this