Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 231: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason Chernobyl children visiting Ireland on holidays require a visa; if efforts can be made to remove or simplify this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37015/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A number of years ago my Department introduced a scheme whereby the requirement to hold a valid visa prior to entering the State was waived for certain persons travelling from Belarus with the Chernobyl Children's Organisation for the purposes of visiting Ireland for a period of rest, recuperation or both. At the time, the groups involved were limited in number and were well known to my Department. The number of groups seeking such visa exemptions has increased significantly and there are now between 35 and 40 such groups.

This practice worked well in the past but we found it necessary to re-evaluate the system for a number of reasons. First, the introduction of the Children Act 2001 has placed extra obligations on all parties involved in the establishment of private foster care arrangements. Some, but not necessarily all, of the arrangements entered into between host families, the Chernobyl groups and the parents of the children involved, fall into the category "private foster care arrangements" as defined by the Department of Health and Children. Indeed officials of my Department met officials of the Department of Health and Children on this matter to ensure consistency and agreement on the revised practices.

Second, the introduction of carrier's liability under section 2(1) of the Immigration Act 2003 means that visa waiver letters are no longer an acceptable alternative to visa endorsements on passports. Third, unfortunately there are indications that in certain cases, children have not returned to Belarus on the agreed date.

While my Department may not be directly responsible for the welfare of these children as such, we have an obligation to put into place a system that guarantees their safety in so far as possible. Were the Department to continue the practice of issuing visa waiver letters, it could be in breach of the relevant legislation.

We now have a dedicated visa office in the Irish Embassy in Moscow which can process these applications and officials of my Department have informed the Chernobyl groups that such applications will be prioritised by that office. Ultimately, our aim is to ensure the safety and welfare of the children who arrive into the care of this State and we are satisfied that the "one person, one visa" system for all is the best way forward in this regard.

My Department has had consultations and discussions with the various groups involved to ensure a smooth transition from the previous procedures and I am satisfied that the new procedures and the management of such procedures by staff assigned to our visa office in Moscow will work very well.

I emphasise that the safety of the children concerned is the primary reason for the introduction of these revised practices and I am sure the Deputy and the House will support any such measures.