Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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116. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the significant increase in the level of rejections of young Irish citizens for J1 trainee programmes by the US Embassy in Dublin; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that a number of young persons who are legally in the USA and who wish to stay and further their training legally prior to returning to Ireland to employ their skills will be making applications to extend their stays within the next six months; his views on whether the recent change of US policy in respect of the J1 programmes threatens its viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44260/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of media reports that the J1 programmes are being reviewed by the US administration, in the context of President Trump's "Hire American" Executive Order. Any cuts to the J1 trainee programme or any significant increase in the level of rejections would be of serious concern to the Government.

My officials in Washington and Dublin have made clear to the US Administration the importance that the Government places on the J1 programmes.

The J1 suite of programmes has been a tremendously successful part of the Ireland -US relationship for almost 50 years, with 150,000 Irish third-level students and young people having participated in programmes over that time.

The J1 offers more than a dozen options for participants wishing to experience life in the US while providing opportunities to work while doing so, one of which options is the trainee visa programme.

The Government does not have a role in administering any of the J1 programmes, which is overseen by the US Department of State and run by a number of not-for-profit US sponsoring bodies, who, in turn, work with agencies here in Ireland.

Nevertheless, officials at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC are in regular contact with the US State Department regarding the J1 programme, while officials from my Department are also in regular contact with the US Embassy in Dublin.

I can assure the Deputy of the Government’s commitment to the continued success of all the J1 programmes and that we will stay in close contact with the US authorities and convey any concerns that we have as to administration of the programme.