Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 4

Written Answers. - Visa Scheme.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

116 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the Walsh Border visa programme is not operational in spite of having been announced a number of months ago; the steps, if any, he will take to expedite this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20392/99]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

The new visa scheme was formally announced by Congressman James Walsh during his visit to Ireland in July of this year. The scheme will involve placing 4,000 young people from Northern Ireland and the Border counties in the United States, for employment experience and training, each year for a three year period.

The Deputy will appreciate that in order to deliver a programme of this nature, it is necessary to put in place structures and procedures in both parts of Ireland and in the United States. These issues are being urgently addressed by officials of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in conjunction with FÁS, as well as by the relevant Northern Ireland and US agencies.

I am happy to confirm that the arrangements in relation to the implementation of the Walsh visa scheme are progressing well and that the programme is expected to be operational at an early date.