Palestine GAA block done to ‘protect kids’

Harris defends visa refusals of 33 youngsters

- BY LOUISE BURNE Political Correspondent

SIMON Harris has defended the refusal of visas for children travelling from Palestine to play GAA in Ireland as he argued it is a “child protection matter".

GAA Palestine had planned to bring in 33 Palestinian children and young teenagers to later this month for a tour, but were denied entry. They were to be accompanied by 14 mentors.

The tour was scheduled to begin on 18 July, with more than 100 Irish families volunteering to host the Palestinian group, and numerous GAA clubs fundraising to support the visit.