Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1289. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received a request to consider implementing a youth exchange visa programme between Ireland and the Republic of China (Taiwan); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39232/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that persons from the Republic of China (Taiwan) seeking to travel to the State are not required to be in possession of a visa. The visa requirement for Taiwan was lifted on 1 July 2009.
The Deputy may be referring to Working Holiday Programmes such as Ireland has already with several non-visa required countries - Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea and the United States of America.
I can inform the Deputy that a request was received from the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland seeking to discuss the possibility of introducing a working holiday programme between Ireland and the Republic of China (Taiwan). A proposal is currently being considered by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (INIS) of my Department.
