Palestine GAA block done to 'protect kids'

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”.

- BY LOUISE BURNE Political Correspondent

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.

A spokesman for GAA Palestine said it was shocked by the decision of the Irish Immigration Service.