Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

161. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is discretion available to a person (details supplied) in a scenario. [13986/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Working Holiday Agreement between Ireland and New Zealand has given thousands of young people the opportunity to live and work overseas since its introduction. It is a programme which offers valuable experiences both personally and professionally.

The terms and conditions for the programme are well-defined and subject to an international agreement between New Zealand and Ireland. One condition of receiving a visa under the programme is that applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 years when applying. Unfortunately, there is no discretion possible with regard to the age of an applicant under the New Zealand Working Holiday Agreement.

New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Ireland on holiday for three months or less. There are also other pathways to visiting and working in Ireland for such people, depending on their circumstances. Full information on the possibilities can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) – www.inis.gov.ie.