Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I have not been made aware that there are difficulties in this respect. I would hazard a guess that the Deputy should take this matter up with the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism. If there is anything we can do to facilitate more tourism, we will do so. We cannot allow our immigration and visa regime to be diluted as a result of changes made with the valid reason of bringing in tourists. We have found that people come to Ireland mar dhea for education and when gardaí visit the educational establishment there is no one there. That has happened in a number of instances. Any easing of the visa regime must be done strictly. It is for the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to take up with my Department.

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