GAA Palestine ‘disappointed' but ‘not giving up hope' as trip to Ireland in disarray after visa applications rejected
Forty-seven members of the association -
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The group was due to go from the West Bank to Jordan on July 16 before flying from there to Ireland on July 18 for the tour that would run until August 1.
However, that plan has been left in disarray after visa applications for the trip were rejected by the Irish Immigration Service
In a letter from the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv to GAA Palestine - seen by the Irish Sun - it was claimed that the applications had been rejected due to insufficient documentation.
Amongst the documentation alleged to be missing is an itinerary, including what GAA clubs will be visited.
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This has been denied by GAA Palestine, who have insisted that said itinerary was provided alongside their application.
The letter also claimed that, while the Embassy received "evidence of donations" towards the trip, "it is not clear whom has access to these donations of what they will be used for".
This was also denied by GAA Palestine, who insisted that the
There is also said to be insufficient documentation pertaining to accommodation.
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The latter claims that, while "an accommodation list has been submitted", insufficient evidence has been provided "as to whom these individuals are and no identification documents have been provided for them".
Also supposedly lacking are "invitation letters" from host families and Garda vetting certificates for the same.
Palestine GAA players watch camogie match on laptop
GAA Palestine attested that the need for such information had not been communicated to them.
GAA Palestine also said that they were not informed of the need to provide Garda vetting until the applications were rejected on Wednesday.
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There is also allegedly insufficient documentation pertaining to consent from the parents of the kids to attend the trip and that "signatures on the consent form submitted cannot be verified".
GAA Palestine insist that the aforementioned consent had been provided.
The ID of the parents are also claimed to have come without "notarised translation."
The letter adds: "The Visa Officer will only consider evidence that is in the English or Irish Language or evidence which includes a certified translation".
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The birth certificate provided have also been deemed to be insufficient as "it has not been attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
The letter also claims "insufficient evidence submitted of strong obligations to return to your home country".
According to GAA Palestine, the need for translations had not been communicated to them.
As for the need for evidence of intention to return to the West Bank, it was stressed that flight plans - including return flights - had been included in the applications.
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In a statement to social media, the association said: "Our Irish visa applications for the GAA Palestine summer tour have been refused by the Irish Immigration Service.
"To say that we are deeply disappointed is an understatement.
"Our hearts right now are with the 33 young hurlers & 14 mentors who are so looking forward to being welcomed to Ireland next week.
"Against all odds, we're doing all we can to make this tour happen. We're not giving up hope."
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GAA Palestine is considering their options as to whether to appeal the decision or postpone the tour until a later date.
DEPARTMENT STATEMENT
The Irish Sun contacted the Department for Justice inquiring as to the extend to which it had been in contact with GAA Palestine and the Embassy relating to the tour and associated visa requirements.
A spokesperson said: "Each visa application is decided on its own merits.
"Confirming that appropriate child protection requirements are in place is essential when considering visa applications for minors.
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"This includes a requirement that a child is travelling with their parents or an appropriate guardian, which requires additional documents to be verified such as birth certificates and consent letters.
"In adult cases, evidence of financial means, employment or other ties that indicate a person intends to return home are important criteria.
"These help to establish that a person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland, and that they will comply with the conditions of a short-term visa.
"An application will be refused if it cannot demonstrate compliance with such conditions.
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"An appeals process is available to anyone who has a visa application refused."
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GAA Palestine's plan to travel to Ireland is in doubt after visa applications were rejected
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