Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Neville for raising this matter on the Adjournment and I urge the Minister to use his skills and many talents, especially in diplomacy, to seek a resolution to this matter, bearing in mind the outstanding efforts of the volunteers and host families. Bonds of friendship and contacts between various families and children in Ireland and Belarus have been formed. It is a hand of friendship from a well-off country to a less well-off country.

I ask the Minister to bear in mind the issue of visas. The change from what was a group visa to individual visas makes coming to Ireland difficult for the Belarusian children who most need it because they must now travel to Moscow. The Minister is aware of the situation and I support his efforts. I urge him to leave no stone unturned in realising the dreams and hopes of many in this country.

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