Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 4

Written Answers. - Visa Applications.

John Browne

Question:

74 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Health if he will have investigations made into the reason a health board under the aegis of his Department is refusing to allow a number of children to enter this country to participate in an educational programme (details supplied) in spite of the fact that the Department of Justice has agreed to issue visas to the children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11405/97]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr. Currie)

Some time ago the Department of Justice received an application from a voluntary group for visas for a number of African children to enter this country. As the children in question are infected with HIV, the Department of Justice decided that it would have to obtain advice on the health implications before it could determine the visa application.

The matter was referred to the health board for the area where it is proposed that the children would reside. The health board inspected the facilities for the care of the children in January 1997. Following this inspection, the board wrote to the group raising a series of concerns and indicating that it could not support the proposal to bring the children from Africa to live in the facility. I have been informed by the Department of Justice that there has been no agreement reached regarding the issuing of visas for these children.