Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in his Department towards creating a combined cultural visa and work permit as set out in the agreed programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25657/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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This issue, contained in the Programme for Government, will be included in my Department's Statement of Strategy now being prepared and will in turn form part of the relevant business plans within my Department.

Owing to the nature of their work, it is important that artistes and entertainers be accommodated as much as possible in entering the State to carry out their engagements, particularly for short-term events. Preliminary investigations undertaken on this matter indicate that the provision of work permits and related entry visas for those travelling from outside the European Union, has implications for a number of Government Departments, with potential complexities surrounding the processes which will necessitate wide ranging and detailed discussions. The matter will be progressed with a view to establishing the most mutually beneficial and secure mechanism for addressing the issue.