Laura Harmon (Labour)

The changes proposed by the US Administration regarding visas, including J1 one visas, are concerning. There is a proposal that authorities would potentially check back over five years of people's social media handles before they can be accepted onto the J1 visa programme. This is an unwelcome measure. It is intrusive and will have a chilling effect on people's freedom of expression. It is welcome that the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have made remarks against the proposal, and that the Tánaiste will raise it with the US ambassador. We need more than words; we need action on this.

The J1 visa programme is key to the friendship between the United States and Ireland. Thousands of students have availed of the programme over many summers, and they contributed hugely to the hospitality and tourism sectors in the US. It is valuable to Ireland and the US, and we need to maintain that relationship. For any students who are going to the US on a J1 visa this summer or who are preparing to do so, my message to them is to stay safe but that it is also important that they enjoy themselves while they are there.

I take this opportunity to wish the Cork hurling team the best against Dublin in a few weeks' time. All of the trains between Cork and Dublin have been booked for 5 July. I have written to Irish Rail seeking extra services. It has made some progress in that regard. We also need extra carriages on some trains. It is important that we consider the bus service in order to avoid as much traffic congestion as possible. It is to be hoped that we can do the same for the all-Ireland final as well.