Government must resolve issues to ensure healthcare evacuations for Gazan children

• Labour’s Health Spokesperson Marie Sherlock TD has called on the Minister for Health and Minister for Justice to immediately resolve ongoing departmental disagreements preventing the evacuation of seriously ill children from Gaza to Ireland for medical treatment.
• Only 12 out of the 30 children the Government committed to help have made it here so far. Eighteen more remain stranded in a war zone, awaiting urgent care. Deputy Sherlock has said that political will is needed now to save these lives, and she will be writing to both Ministers to demand action.
• States commitment to the integrity of the family rings very hallow given State’s tardiness of bringing these desperately ill children and their families to Ireland.

Deputy Sherlock said:

“We all look on at the images from Gaza with horror – none more so than those involving children. The level of devastation, trauma and life-altering injuries being inflicted on young people is beyond comprehension. Ireland must step up to the plate and show leadership in ensuring that these seriously ill children are not abandoned in their hour of need.

“It is deeply alarming to hear that due to a breakdown between the Department of Justice and the Department of Health, children who are ready to travel and receive treatment are being left behind. These children are already suffering in areas being bombarded daily. They face further injury, worsening health or even death – all while bureaucracy gets in the way.

“We know that the Government gave a commitment last year to evacuate 30 children for medical treatment in Ireland. It is shocking that only 12 have made it here. These children urgently require surgery, ongoing medical support due to malnutrition, and vital mental health care due to the trauma they’ve endured. We cannot turn our backs.

“Our hospitals, clinicians, and surgeons have made it clear that they stand ready to care for these children. The only thing in their way is red tape. The Departments of Justice and Health must resolve these issues immediately. I will be writing to both Ministers to demand that these obstacles are removed, and that the evacuation proceeds without further delay.”