Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

640. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the plans in place to enter into a new visa agreement between Ireland and Peru. [25902/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can advise the Deputy that Peru remains on the list of visa required countries for Ireland. There is a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Lima, Peru, to assist in making an application for a visa to Ireland. My Department has also extended the multi-entry visa option for up to 5 years for all visa required countries, including Peru. These measures should assist in timely processing of visa applications and more flexible visa arrangements for Peruvian citizens travelling to Ireland.

Visa and preclearance applications provide legal avenues for people moving to Ireland for employment, study and family reasons and also to facilitate visitors who wish to travel for business and/or tourism. It is important to recall these applications are screening processes, designed to establish that the person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland prior to travel.

While there is no immediate proposal to lift the visa requirement on Peru, my Department’s visa policy is kept under constant review.