Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his very comprehensive reply. As I said earlier, this person is not looking for residency status and has no intention of staying here long term. His grandchildren are in their early years and need his support. The possibility of extending the visa beyond 90 days has not been suggested to the family. In fact, the application for a visa of any description was turned down. I am bewildered as to why we are not accommodating two people who are making a major contribution to the health service here. I intend to take the case up directly with the Department. I thank the Minister for the very comprehensive reply. I believe we must consider this issue carefully. A three-month visa for someone travelling from a country as far away as India is not adequate, especially in the context of our current difficulties with recruiting doctors. These two doctors have suggested to me that they are considering moving to the United Kingdom, which will result in another two vacancies in our health service. Government Departments need to co-operate in matters such as this rather than applying black-and-white rules. This issue must be examined further. I thank the Minister once again for his response.