Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 4

Written Answers. - Visa Regulations.

Ivan Yates

Question:

175 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a proposal to his Department whereby parents of children who visit Ireland in summer 1999 and annually from Chernobyl would be allowed to come to the country with their children; if his Department is open to these applications for parents to stay here with their children for a specific and limited duration; the reason his Department rejected this; if it will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10443/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

My Department operates a scheme whereby children travelling to Ireland under the aegis of established Chernobyl aid groups can apply to be exempted from the visa requirement. This unique arrangement was availed of by more than 2,500 children in 1998 and is justified by reference to their age and their exceptional personal humanitarian need for recuperation. I would not be in favour of extending this exemption to their parents.

I should point out that the only inquiry my Department has received recently along the lines referred to by the Deputy amounted to a proposal that such parents would come to Ireland for the summer and fund their costs by working without work permits for farmers picking fruit. I would not be in favour of approving visas under such circumstances.

It is of course open to any person to apply in the normal way for a visit visa provided they can satisfy my Department of their intention to return as well as their capacity to support themselves without working or requiring public funds.