Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:90 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications to date for Walsh visas; the number processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4484/00]
Written Answers. - Visa Applications.
The Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Act, 1998, known commonly as the Walsh visa programme allows for 4,000 young people – 3,000 from Northern Ireland and 1,000 from the Border counties – to obtain temporary three year work visas for the United States each year for the next three years.
A total of 151 applications has been received to date by FÁS, which is implementing the element of the programme applicable to the Border counties on behalf of the Irish authorities. All of the applications received have been processed. A cohort of 50 people has been deemed eligible for FÁS pre-departure training under the programme.
Issuance of visas under the programme is the responsibility of the United States authorities.