Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We thought it might have gone to a penalty shootout. Who knows what would have happened then? It did not, unfortunately, but I am sure the Deputy Leader would like to convey the good wishes of the House to the new ambassador, Mr. O'Malley, and raise with the Tánaiste and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade ongoing negotiations on the J1 graduates visa, which is due to expire in October after a five-year cycle. My understanding is there is optimism that the visa will be renewed. It is different from the standard student J1 visa and allows graduates, under certain eligibility criteria, to work in the United States on an exchange programme for a minimum of one year. The problem is that many employers in the US are reluctant to take on Irish graduates for a one-year period so I understand negotiations focus on extending it to a two-year term. This will be of great benefit, particularly to graduates who wish to gain overseas work experience and bring it back to this country for the benefit of this economy. Perhaps the Deputy Leader can raise the matter with the Tánaiste and get an update on current negotiations on the renewal and possible extension of the visa.