Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)

Does the Minister have any specific figures on the increase in visitors from countries in respect of which a visa waiver was granted to increase trade? Has there been an increase in trade from those countries? I ask the question because business people who are interested in trading in Ireland are having difficulty in obtaining visas. It is a hindrance to the development of trade in Ireland. It has been raised with me by Ennis Chamber of Commerce, among other trade bodies. Has the Government those specific figures and does it intend to address the problem more broadly than in respect of the emerging markets, which have already been granted a visa waiver?

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