Vol. 571 No. 2
117 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made to date by the interdepartmental working group in view of the recommendations of the task force on policies regarding immigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21085/03]
The interdepartmental working group was established in October 2002 to examine the recommendations of the task force on policy regarding immigrants with a view to submitting proposals to Government for future action. The working group, which is chaired by my Department and includes representatives of the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Social and Family Affairs, Environment and Local Government, Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, and Health and Children, has held a number of meetings but has not yet submitted its final report.
Policy in this area is also being considered in the wider context of the special initiative on migration and interculturalism in the new partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, which includes a commitment to develop a coherent set of initiatives, in consultation with the relevant interests, arising from the conclusions and recommendations of the task force on policy regarding immigrants.
The steering committee established under Sustaining Progress has held a number of discussions on the arrangements for taking forward the special initiatives in the agreement. The steering group is now reflecting on how existing initiatives and policies can be adapted, reprioritised or replaced in a way that will optimise progress on the relevant issues. I will consider, in the light of these discussions, and of the further work of the interdepartmental working group, how best to advance progress on the report of the task force.
118 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the US authorities, difficulties faced by Irish citizens at immigration advance clearance here. [21138/03]
I am aware that some Irish citizens have encountered difficulties in entering the US. On my instructions, the Department sought clarification from the US authorities of the position, in particular in regard to the use of the visa waiver programme. In response, they indicated that the visa waiver programme is no longer available to a person who did not comply with its terms and that no exceptions can be made to this regulation.
In the circumstances, it is essential that anybody who believes they may have overstayed on a previous visit to the US should seek a visa before travelling. The Deputy will appreciate that decisions on the issue of visas to enter the US are a matter for the US authorities.
