Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the very positive nature of his reply. I look forward to sitting down with him over the coming weeks to see how best we can fine-tune a new and enhanced scheme. I ask him to engage in discussions with his colleagues, the Minister for Justice, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Taoiseach, who will embark on what I trust will be a very positive visit to the US on St. Patrick's Day.

Tomorrow ambassador-designate Claire Cronin arrives from the US to our shores. She arrives here as a friend of Ireland. She arrives here with a very active and engaging programme of work. I wish her well in that regard. I also acknowledge the announcement over the past few days of the reintroduction of the very successful J1 visa scheme, which has facilitated in excess of 150,000 Irish students and young professionals who undertake summer work on an annual basis, and travel programme. I acknowledge the Fulbright Commission scheme supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs under the auspices of the Minister.

This is a two-way relationship that benefits both our countries, the US and Ireland. It is time that we should look at all of the schemes. I understand there are about nine different schemes for people travelling from the US to Ireland. It is important that we put together an enhanced scheme which would facilitate a more long-term arrangement, a long-term residency for people who are currently citizens of the US and who want to settle here in Ireland. The least we should provide them is a form of long-term residency and security.

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