Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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186. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with his Australian counterpart or Australian officials regarding the changes to the 457 visa; the implications that this may have on Irish citizens living in or intending to move to Australia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26111/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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While I have not had discussions with my Australian counterpart or Australian officials regarding the changes to Australia’s 457 visa changes, officials from my Department, both at headquarters and at Ireland’s Embassy in Canberra, are monitoring this closely and are in regular contact with their Australian counterparts on this matter.

Officials at the Embassy met recently with officials at the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection to discuss the changes.

Our Embassy in Canberra and Consulate General in Sydney are also consulting with the Irish advice agencies to whom a lot of our citizens turn for advice in the first instance.

While the 457 visa is due to be discontinued, a replacement temporary skilled visa is being introduced for which Irish citizens will be able to apply. I note that the numbers of Irish availing of the 457 visa has fallen off considerably since the peak in 2012. For Irish citizens who are currently availing of the temporary skilled visa, or are planning on applying, the vast majority of eligible occupations are still likely to be included under the new system.

I am continuing to monitor the situation.