Ms Sofia Katsarava:

Georgian citizens nowadays travel visa-free to the Schengen zone. That facility was granted to Georgia last March. It was an historic achievement for the people of the country to get visa liberalisation. I know members of the committee will deliver this message to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. I understand that there might be some challenges but it is extremely important for people-to-people contacts and deepening the ties. We need to use areas of co-operation such as education. We have an excellent programme with the EU when it comes to education. Hundreds of Georgian students study in different leading European universities. That also helps create business contacts and develop the ties. Visa-free travel, which is enjoyed by all Georgians will be extremely important, if the Irish Government is willing to provide a visa waiver for those who are on an official visit to Ireland from the Government or the Parliament or for business opportunities.

I agree that it is a practical result of our bilateral co-operation. It is an example where we have already seen fantastic results in getting closer to the EU and in getting more integration of the public in the EU institutions. That would facilitate the process.