First I want to thank the Cheann Comhairle for allowing me to raise on the Adjournment the question of visas for Irish football supporters who may wish to travel to the United States for the World Cup next year if, as seems likely, Ireland qualifies for participation in that event. Having said that, I would like to offer my congratulations to Jack Charleton and all associated with Ireland's victory yesterday, virtually assuring our country a chance to take part in the World Cup finals in the USA next year.
Irish supporters are known the world over for their friendliness and good humour. They played an important part in both the last World Cup competition in Europe and in the present competition. However, many Irish supporters could well be refused US entry visas unless careful attention is paid by the authorities to their claims. Ireland is not a member of the visa waiver pilot programme which was introduced in 1986 under the US Emigration (Reform and Control) Act. All other EC countries, except Greece and Portugal, are members. This is because more than 2 per cent of applicants are refused visas in any two year period.
The problem arises due to the large number of Irish relatives resident in the US. Requests for visas will be divided between those who want to go merely to support the team and those who will use the occasion to attend a match and also have a holiday. Many of those applying could be refused visas unless special arrangements are made. I would estimate that up to 30,000 Irish people could apply for visas for entry to the US next year.
I have written to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Spring, and also to the newly appointed US Ambassador, Mrs. Jean Kennedy Smith, who has yet to take up residence, to have their respective officials work out an arrangement with the FAI to facilitate those who will apply for visas. This should involve the hiring of extra embassy staff to deal with those who have been allocated tickets. These could be dealt with in batches in co-operation with the FAI authorities. Those new visa seekers also going on holiday should also be identified although some of these would only get tickets when they arrive in the US. Genuine supporters who have travelled to matches all over Europe in the last World Cup games and who might normally be in that category likely to be refused entry visas, for example, those on the dole or those in temporary employment, should also be approved once they can show that they are genuine supporters and have travelled previously to games in Europe. This preparatory work should commence forthwith. If this is done any genuine supporter unfortunate enough to have his application refused initially would have plenty of time to appeal his case and have it redressed.
I hope, although understanding fully the absolute rights the US authorities have in regard to entry to the US, that with all agencies co-operating our Irish supporters will not be disappointed. I know that since 1982 over 600,000 visas have been issued by the American Embassy to Irish applicants. I have no doubt that the presence of our Irish supporters in the US next year will add greatly to our team's chances of success and also provide an opportunity for those supporters to visit those who are away from home in the summer of 1994. I genuinely hope that between the Department of Foreign Affairs, the American Embassy and the FAI as many as possible will be facilitated, assuming that our team qualifies in the final stages and competes in the US.
