Seanad debates

Thursday, 12 November 2015

10:30 am

Photo of Feargal QuinnFeargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

For many years the students of Ireland have had the benefit of being able to avail of a J1 visa in the United States. I have just read that, from henceforth, a J1 visa will not be issued unless one has already secured a job before leaving Ireland. I am unsure as to from where this change has come or whether it only applies to Ireland, but it is obviously an American decision. Given the history of so many young people who spent a year or part of a year in the United States and who returned with enthusiasm and an understanding of a competitive market, it has done a world of good for Irish students. Howsoever the decision has been made, I hope it can be either reversed or reconsidered. If the only way in which one can get a job is by writing ahead of time to secure it, it appears this will be a disadvantage from Ireland's perspective.

I will mention one other point about the sale of 80% of the Avoca chain to an American company. While most people might view this from the perspective of it being another Irish company going out of Irish hands, I consider it to be a great success that an Irish family business has been able to develop to such an extent that Americans have shown their desire to invest in it. I believe there is a balance to be achieved in each of these areas. However, Avoca is a company that deserves a great deal of praise, as does the Pratt family who developed and ran it. That the family have now decided to step out of 80% of it and hand it over to an American company is something of which we should be proud. Senator Mooney is the expert on radio and television. What I am going to say is most unimportant, namely, I get upset when I hear on radio and television, and sometimes in the other House as well whatever about this House, the inability to pronounce Northern Ireland. It seems to sound like "Nordren" Ireland every time. With a little publicity we could teach announcers, broadcasters and Members that the name of the state we used to call the Six Counties is Northern Ireland not "Nordren" Ireland. If we could manage that it would be a very small achievement but it would make my day.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.