Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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231. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who needs an urgent transfer from Gaza for medical care; if his Department will intervene on behalf of this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17406/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I am very concerned at the impact on the civilian population of the continuing appalling violence in Gaza. The Department of Foreign Affairs is not familiar with this particular case and has not received any request for consular assistance, as the individual involved is not an Irish citizen. In February and March, 1,724 patients were evacuated from Gaza for specialised treatment in Egypt and other countries. Egypt continues to play a key role in the provision of care for many people evacuated through Rafah. However, the border crossing was closed on 18 March. The World Health Organisation estimates that 11,000 to 13,000 people remain in urgent need of medical evacuation.

The Department of Health is the lead government Department on medical evacuations to Ireland from Gaza. Government approval was secured by the Minister for Health in 2024 for Ireland to evacuate up to 30 sick children from Gaza for treatment and care. Eight injured children, and their family members, were flown to Ireland for treatment in December 2024, having been evacuated via Egypt under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Further medical evacuation missions under the 2024 Government approval will be focused on children and will be led by the Department of Health and the HSE in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the World Health Organisation and the EU.

The Government has provided over €84 million in support of the Palestinian people since the beginning of 2023, including €58 million in core support to UNRWA. €72 million of this total support has been provided since October 2023. With our core funding of €20 million for 2025, UNRWA continues to deliver assistance in accordance with its mandate, including life-saving support and key health and education interventions.

We have also been providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza through other agencies including the World Food Programme and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Society. Ireland’s support also includes the delivery of over 116 tonnes of relief supplies through our rapid response initiative.

The Government continues to call for an urgent end to hostilities and we urge all parties to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. Israel’s continuing blockade of humanitarian supplies is pushing Gaza closer to a hunger crisis and this must be lifted immediately. UN and other humanitarian workers must be protected at all times as they carry out their life saving work.