Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Apart from Mr. Maguire's group, is there any other group in Ireland which is lobbying the Minister for Justice and Equality on the issue? It seems there must be a critical mass, both from a trade and tourism perspective, to secure air connections. Airlines will operate wherever there is a demand for their services. Tourism traffic alone will not sustain an airline. One must also have a demand from the business community. What about businesses here? If Mr. Maguire can demonstrate to the Department that there is a loss of business and export opportunities as a result of a regime that makes it difficult to get visas, it would be open to considering the matter. What is the situation in reverse? If Irish people want to travel to any of the Arab countries, what is required of them in terms of having a visa? Are there difficulties in that regard?