Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I echo the compliments to the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Agriculture and Food, Deputies Cowen and Walsh, on their performance in the negotiations in which they were involved. I hope that we will have an opportunity to discuss the results of the farm negotiations next week. Whatever about the detail, we can get more information at that stage. We also note that the Minister has obtains options for this country, which is extremely important.

Some weeks ago, I raised the reduction in the number of J1 and J2 visas for young Irish people going to the United States. Many young people who in the past took a chance in going to the United States are effectively trapped there and cannot return home on holidays or for family occasions. Yesterday I heard of a serious case of a woman married to an American man who was back in Longford and could not return to the United States. There appears to be a serious tightening of the visa regime. I would like the Leader to see if we can get some information on this and perhaps have a debate on emigration, visas and related issues in order that people can get out of the difficult situation in which they find themselves.