Vol. 440 No. 7
82 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the demand among college students for J1 visas to the United States and the disappointment at the inadequacy of the allocation for 1994; and if he will take up the issue with the United States authorities and seek an additional allocation as soon as possible.
I am aware that, in the context of an increased demand from students this year, the Union of Students in Ireland Travel (USIT), sought an increased allocation of J1 visas. At my request the Embassy in Washington contacted the U.S. Information Agency there and the Council for International Education Exchange in New York to support the request. I am glad to be able to inform the Deputy that the U.S. authorities have responded positively and that an increased allocation of visas is being made available to Irish students; we are awaiting confirmation of the size of the increase.
