Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the changes in holiday visa requirements for citizens from Belarus since January 2006; the reason for any changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25445/06]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the humanitarian work carried out by many Irish groups in providing respite visits to nationals from Belarus since Chernobyl, his attention has been drawn to a restriction placed on the number of adults travelling with groups of young people to Ireland for respite breaks and other medical treatment; if his attention has further been drawn to such limits on the number of adults is putting severe strain on many locally based voluntary groups who arrange such visits; if he will review the situation and undertake a wide consultation with groups to establish their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25446/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.

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 and/or recuperation. The groups involved were, at the time, 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 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 with 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, there are, unfortunately, 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, in as much as it is possible, their safety. Were we to continue the practice of issuing visa waiver letters we 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.

I would emphasise that the safety of the children concerned is the primary reason for the introduction of these revised practices. A more serious breach of visa regulations involves a number of adults who sought to accompany children and who did not return to Belarus. This has resulted in tighter controls and checking of such application types. Such persons are circumventing immigration controls by using a vulnerable group to assist with their entry to the State and further have taken advantage of the good nature of their Irish hosts in certain circumstances. Adults who meet the necessary criteria will of course be granted a visa.

The new arrangements were notified well in advance to the groups involved and I have no plans at this time to undertake further consultations or discussions with them.