Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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132. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals being considered to ease the restrictions relating to persons coming to live here on stamp 0 visas, particularly retirees from the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53396/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In the context of the Government’s ongoing efforts to secure a comprehensive immigration solution for Irish citizens in the US, involving both future pathways for legal immigration and relief for the undocumented Irish, a number of potential Irish reciprocal immigration and visa measures have been considered, including a possible scheme for US citizens to retire in Ireland, and a dedicated work permit scheme for US citizens.

There have been developments in this regard in the last number of weeks. An Irish E3 Visa Bill was passed by the US House of Representatives on 28 November, and is now awaiting consideration by the US Senate. While there are no guarantees of success, if signed into law, this Bill would allow Irish citizens to apply for two-year, renewable E3 Visas under certain conditions. Access to this E3 scheme would be contingent on reciprocal arrangements for US citizens in Ireland, to be introduced by the Government.

Should the E3 Visa Bill be enacted, therefore, the Government would consider which particular reciprocal immigration and visa measures best met the test of reciprocity, in consultation with the US authorities.