Minister Martin hails the success of Working Holiday Agreements

Minister Martin hails the success of Working Holiday Agreements

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin speaking in Dublin today outlined the success of Working Holiday Agreements between Ireland and other countries. 

 “Working Holiday Agreements are a vital part of Ireland’s public diplomacy.  Many thousands of young Irish people have benefited greatly from the experience of working and living in foreign countries.  In turn, many young people have visited Ireland and have acquired a life long love of this country.  I am fully committed to these arrangements which are beneficial for the countries involved”.

 Minister Martin referred in particular to the huge success of the Australian agreement

 “It started with very small numbers and has grown over the years into a huge movement of young people between Ireland and Australia”. 

 The Minister noted that the new American J1 visa has been utilised by over 550 people with approximately 400 Irish going to the US and around 150 Americans approved to come to Ireland. “I have no doubt that the US programme which is only in its infancy will grow considerably in the years to come.”

 Minister Martin also said:

 “At the Global Irish Economic Forum, which took place at Farmleigh in September, participants strongly emphasised both the importance of deepening our engagement with younger members of our Irish communities abroad and the benefit of international work experience for both young Irish people individually and for Irish business more generally. The Working Holiday Agreements, many of which are with countries where there are significant numbers of young people of Irish descent, are a unique and valuable tool in facilitating such experiences.

I am looking at how this programme which has grown up in an ad hoc way can fit in with the post Farmleigh Strategy and in particular whether this programme should have a statutory basis.”

The Minister outlined the uptake of these visas in 2009 as indicated below: 

 Background Note

(Working holiday agreements are concluded on a reciprocal basis and allow young Irish people to stay and work for an extended period of time in the countries listed.  The Working holiday agreements provide the opportunity to young people to gain a better understanding of other countries and cultures and to build relationships for the future. They also allow people from other countries to experience the Irish culture and Irish life.)

 Ends+++

20 January 2010

Press Office