If universities have accepted applications from Gazan students, why not grant them visas?

Sir, – Ireland, both the people and the Government, have been committed supporters of the Palestinians of Gaza and the West Bank, stretching back for many years through their many trials and conflicts.

However, although many ordinary Irish people go to extraordinary lengths of dedicated work for Palestine, the Government’s support has been of the statements and vocal variety, with little support of real action.

When we actually have an opportunity to help young Gazans leave the destroyed territory to pursue an education here, and where universities have offered full scholarships, it is absolutely extraordinary that the Department of Justice would refuse their visas.

Palestinians value education highly and, as a result, they are an educated people. They have one of the highest literacy rates globally, despite their hardships, at 97 per cent.

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Education is considered an asset and a form of resilience in the absence of the security of home and land. The educational investment in their young people is hugely important to them.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan is an effective Minister. We may be pleased he wants to reform aspects of justice delivery with a firm hand, but inflexibility regarding the easy passage of Gazan students who want to study here is hard to understand. This reflects badly on the Government and makes one ask why Taoiseach Micheál Martin has not stepped in to resolve this issue before now.

The excuse that rules must be applied is a poor, given that these students are coming from a decimated infrastructure that makes fulfilling visa requirements extremely difficult. If the universities have accepted their applications, why not grant them the visas?

O’Callaghan needs to sort this out as soon as possible before the academic year begins. Otherwise, it will be on his record as an unwise and harsh decision, as it is already viewed unfavourably by the public.

It will also be considered a moral black mark for the Government if the students are not welcomed as they should be. – Yours, etc,

CYNTHIA CARROLL,

Newport,

Co Tipperary.