John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform his plans to ease the visa requirements for those entering the State for the purpose of assisting in developing an existing business and who are here at no cost to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36140/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Irish visa requirements are kept under constant review having regard to the current economic needs of the State and the orderly management of immigration generally.

At present, my Department is examining ways to further facilitate foreign entrepreneurs and their families who wish to travel to the State for the purpose of establishing businesses. In addition, as part of the five year strategy 'Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy', which was launched by the Taoiseach in September this year, my Department has undertaken to ensure that the visa regime here supports the priorities set out in the Strategy. This new regime will be designed to ensure that entrepreneurial, business and tourist travellers to Ireland who can be clearly identified as such are specifically facilitated, and that businesses promoting trade, tourism and investment are not placed at a competitive disadvantage. Work is already underway in my Department to deliver on this commitment.