Jimmy Harte (Labour)

I will withdraw that remark in case it comes back to bite me. I ask that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade would make a statement on foot of an issue raised by my colleague in the Dáil, Deputy John Lyons. He outlined the difficulties with visas experienced by people in the context of the soccer match due to be played by the Irish soccer team in Moscow on 6 September. That was also the experience of people who travelled to Russia in 2002. I was there and encountered difficulties at the time on entering Moscow Airport. I was one of a few people who had to pay €150 just to get past the passport control area. Many fans were in the same position. The authorities in Russia were unhelpful. I expect up to 6,000 fans to travel to the game on 6 September. I hope it will be an important game, providing we beat Slovakia. I encountered problems myself entering Moscow. It was frustrating for many fans who were kept in the airport for hours after they arrived.

In order to be ahead of the curve the Tánaiste should speak to the Russian embassy in Dublin to ensure a facility is put in place to prevent a reoccurrence of the previous experience which was distressing for many people. My son had gone through passport control and I was held back with other people. There was no facilitation by the Russian authorities, who were quite rude to many people. I do not say Russians are a rude nation but the experience of Irish fans, whom we know are the best behaved fans in the world, was that they received much abuse on that occasion. When we arrived in Moscow the atmosphere was not very welcoming and there was much security around the grounds. Irish fans were treated shabbily by the Russian authorities.

Perhaps the Tánaiste could make a statement to inform us of what has been done in conjunction with the FAI. John Delaney may already be ahead of us. Deputy John Lyons has raised the issue and I wish to back him up. Some Members may intend to go to Russia for the game but I cannot afford to go on this occasion. I am sure there will be many good supporters there to keep the team going. The issue will crop up and there will be many disappointed fans. The cost of the visa is another issue of concern. Previously it was €100 to travel to Russia for a weekend. I urge the Tánaiste to seek clarity on the matter.