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The Government has today confirmed the arrival in Ireland of a group of seven Palestinian children to receive healthcare treatment here. This is the third medical evacuation from Gaza following Government’s approval in September 2024, in response to an appeal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to address the health needs of people from Gaza. Doctors from Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) worked with the WHO to identify sick and injured children who would benefit from treatment in Ireland. Seven children arrived in Dublin on Saturday evening, with 29 accompanying family members. The group travelled overland from Gaza to Jordan in a WHO medevac convoy and were accompanied from Jordan by an Irish medical team on a plane provided by the Norwegian Government. The group will complete medical assessments over the coming days. “This marks the first time Ireland has undertaken a medical evacuation out of Gaza city to Ireland, via Jordan,” said Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. “It was a complex operation that required close collaboration across multiple government departments and with our international partners. “The dedication, professionalism and humanity shown by all involved reflects the very best of public service. I offer my sincere thanks to everyone involved in making this medical evacuation possible. “I wish the seven children and their accompanying family members well as they begin their treatment and recovery here.” Following a Government decision in 2024, Ireland is expected to receive up to 30 paediatric patients in total from Gaza. The State will continue to opt in on a case-by-case basis for each child who requires treatment, subject to the necessary capacity being available at that time. Under this initiative the children and their families are housed in accommodation managed by the Irish Red Cross. The care package being provided includes caseworker and translation services to ensure that the patients and their carers are well looked after and have assistance in accessing all services as needed. In addition, the HSE will provide appropriate psycho-social assessment for both patients and carers. All patients and carers received health screening prior to travel to Dublin. ‘It is a real privilege for our team in CHI to contribute toward Ireland’s medevac response,” said CHI chief executive Lucy Nugent. “Our staff who participate in these missions are involved with the families from the outset, and it is both meaningful and emotional that we can in some way help the children of Gaza. Our thanks to all involved in this multi-agency effort for the provision of humanitarian aid.” The Department of Justice has co-ordinated visa requirements for the children and their carers and families, while the Department of Social Protection is involved in access to welfare and other supports.
