andDr. FitzGerald asked the Minister for Transport and Power the present position regarding the travel arrangements of 1,400 students who have booked through ISETA; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Student Travel.
23.
Mr. O'Donnell
As I stated recently in a Press release, I have no responsibility for the operation of student exchange programmes. I am concerned solely with the authorisation of the flights incidental to such programmes. For the purpose of safeguarding the interests of students participating in these flights, I require the promoting organisations to show their suitability to organise such charter flights. The Irish Student Travel Service (USIT) and the Irish Student Employment and Travel Association (ISETA) have operated successful student exchange programmes over the past few years and have been approved for this summer.
ISETA have been having difficulty in obtaining visa clearance in the United States for the students booked with them. On assurances from USIT that they would collaborate with ISETA in the operation of their programme, including the provision of visas, I withdrew the approval given to ISETA. However, USIT have not found it possible to agree a basis for co-operation with ISETA.
I understand that ISETA are now renewing their efforts to solve the visa problem on their own and to facilitate them in this, I have restored their approval.
Mr. O'Donnell
In view of the confusion that has arisen this year about student travel to the United States, would the Minister now give an assurance that he will review the whole question of student travel before next year and will he also ensure that the regulations he drew up six months ago will be rigidly adhered to by student travel organisations, particularly in relation to sponsorship?
The Deputy is approaching the heart of the matter here. There have been too many student organisations engaged in internal warfare amongst themselves. As far as next year is concerned, there will be only one student travel organisation with proper sponsorship and proper arrangements made with regard to visas.