699. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will review and advise on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45724/26]

I can assure the Deputy that I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and my Department continues to work closely with our colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure a coordinated national response to this situation. This includes working with Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance.

In common with the position for all non-EU nationals, entry of Palestinian nationals is undertaken through the existing legal immigration pathways available. Palestinian nationals are visa required and must have a valid Irish visa before they seek to enter Ireland. Palestinian nationals can apply for a visa and for permission to remain in Ireland based on a variety of different reasons, including employment, education or to join a family member in the State. Details of these legal pathways can be found on my Department's Immigration Service website: Home - Immigration Service Delivery

It is important to note that visa applications are part of a screening processes, designed to establish that a person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland prior to travel, and all such applications undergo this process.

I can further advise that there are no special arrangements for Palestinian nationals in place, nor are there any plans to introduce any.

However, visa applications that are received from Palestinians are examined by the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv, who process certain visa applications under delegated sanction on behalf of my Department.

Officials in my Department’s Visa Division are in regular contact with the Embassy regarding visa applications from residents of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. Both Departments work together to ensure visa applications from Palestinian nationals who meet the criteria to be granted a visa are, wherever possible, processed as swiftly as possible.