Mary Lou McDonald seeks clarity on delays to treatment in Ireland for sick children from Gaza
The delays are reportedly due to a disagreement between two government departments over visas for siblings of the sick children.
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Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Tipperary group in ‘shock' as GAA Palestine children and mentors refused visas for Irish tour
Cashel for Palestine said they are 'united in utter shock, heartbreak, and disbelief' at the news that visas have been denied to the 33 Palestinian children and their mentors from GAA Palestine, who were due to arrive in Tipperary on Tuesday, July 22. A lack of compliance with visa application criteria is the reason given for the visa denials. 'This visit was never just a trip,' said a spokesperson. 'It was a beacon of hope - a chance for children who have known only fear, trauma, and war to experience joy, solidarity, and peace through the simple, unifying power of sport. 'For months, host families across Tipperary opened their hearts and homes in preparation. Clubs, communities, and volunteers rallied with warmth, generosity, and unwavering support. Every corner of the county was ready to embrace these children - not as strangers, but as friends. 'We were so looking forward to welcoming them to the spiritual home of the GAA. A historic visit to Hayes Hotel, Lár na Páirce, and Semple Stadium awaited - places where the soul of Irish sporting history lives. 'But more than that, these children were to play the game they love alongside 120 young players from clubs across Tipperary. Children meeting children, not divided by politics or borders, but united by sport, laughter, and shared dreams. 'To deny them this opportunity is a cruelty that defies words. But we will not give up. Our solidarity is unwavering. The outpouring of support from every part of Tipperary has been extraordinary. And we will continue to fight - for these children, for justice, and for the day when they will visit the Premier County.' The issue was raised to the Tánaiste, Simon Harris, in the Dáil on Thursday, where he explained that "unfortunately, not all people will be able to demonstrate that they satisfy the conditions to be granted a visa to come to Ireland'. "The granting of a visa is a very important legal document in our migration system. These applications were given very careful consideration," he continued. "A visa officer has to be satisfied that children are traveling under the company of their parents or an appropriate guardian. Additional documents, such as birth certs, consent letters are regularly requested to establish the relationship. "There is an appeals process under way."
The Journal
20 hours ago
- The Journal
Taoiseach says he hopes GAA Palestine visa issue case can be resolved
TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has said he hopes the issues over Palestinian GAA team's visa applications can be resolved. Speaking at Farmleigh yesterday evening, Martin said the 'fundamental issue, from what I can gather, is the wellbeing of the children and the care of the children and ensuring proper guardianship and so on'. As reported by The Journal this week, the group has been informed by the Irish Immigration Service that their visa applications have been refused due to 'insufficient documentation'. Advertisement The GAA Palestine group, which helped to lodge the visa applications for 47 Palestinians who belong to sports clubs in the West Bank, has said they are shocked by the decision, and have refuted that any of the requested documentation was not provided. GAA Palestine had plans in place for 47 Palestinians to travel here, including 33 children aged between 9 and 16 years of age. A total of 152 families in Ireland had signed up to host the group as they were to travel around Ireland. The tour was due to kick off on 18 July, and it had garnered major support from Irish host families who were to welcome the Palestinians into their homes, and from clubs that have been fundraising to help finance the trip. Tánaiste Simon Harris said yesterday that 'careful consideration' was given to a number of Palestinian visa applications who wished to travel to Ireland for a GAA tour this month. Related Reads Dublin GAA club that raised €9,000 for Palestinians' trip to Ireland hopeful it will go ahead Simon Harris says 'careful consideration' was given to Palestinian GAA team's visa applications Irish immigration officials refuse visas for 47 Palestinians due to come to Ireland for GAA tour The Taoiseach said that Ireland's visa system is fair and objective, 'so we don't regularly intervene in the operation of that'. He added that the Minister for Justice is aware of the situation. 'Hopefully these issues can be resolved, but there is an appeals process there, I think that should be utilised,' concluded the Taoiseach. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Extra.ie
21 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Catherine Connolly becomes first confirmed Presidential candidate
Catherine Connolly has become the first person to officially confirm that she will be running for President of Ireland this year. The race to replace Michael D Higgins has been plagued with people who otherwise would have been prime candidates confirming that they wouldn't be going for the Áras. Ms Connolly, an independent TD in Galway West who was the previous Les-Cheann Comhairle in the Dáil from 2020 to 2024, was the second favourite to succeed fellow Galwegian in Michael D, but nothing had been confirmed — until she said that she will be officially launching her campaign next week after receiving support from left wing parties. Catherine Connolly has become the first person to officially confirm that she will be running for President of Ireland this year. Pic: Oireachtas TV 'Yes, my mind is made up to run,' Deputy Connolly told the Connacht Tribune. 'I've support from across the spectrum, including the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Solidarity, as well as a number of senators and others. 'Labour and Sinn Féin are still completing their own internal processes which I fully respect. I'll be formally launching my campaign next week.' There were talks of Deputy Connolly potentially running from a left-party united front, however Sinn Féin and Labour are yet to decide if they will run a candidate. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald hasn't ruled herself out of going for the Áras, while Labour had approached Joe Duffy to run under their banner — something the former Liveline presenter rejected. Deputy Connolly served as Leas Cheann Comhairle from 2020 to 2024, and has been a previous mayor of Galway. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/ The current favourite to replace Michael D is former MEP Mairead McGuinness, who is expected to run under the Fine Gael ticket once nominations for the party close next week. She is currently running unopposed after Seán Kelly confirmed on Thursday that he wouldn't be seeking the nomination from the party. The bookies currently have Ms McGuinness as evens to win the election, set to take place sometime in October, while Ms Connolly's odds were around 4/1 before she confirmed that she'd run. Mary Lou McDonald appeared to have changed her mind from not wanting to go for it to considering the job earlier this week, and is currently the third favourite to win with odds of 6/1, while former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who hasn't ruled anything out, was sat at around 9/1 odds. Mairead McGuinness is still the favourite to replace Michael D Higgins this November. Pic: Isopix/REX/Shutterstock Mary Hanafin also expressed her desire to run under the Fianna Fáil banner, but nothing has been confirmed by the party at the time of writing.
