Minister Killeen Welcomes Ireland-Belarus Agreement

Minister of State Tony Killeen T.D. has welcomed the formal signing of an International Agreement allowing for children from the Republic of Belarus to continue visiting the Mid West Region.

The International Agreement relates to future visits of children affected by the Chernobyl disaster in Belarus in April 1986. Minister Killeen said, “The negotiations on this Agreement, which began in September of last year, culminated with a delegation of Irish Government officials meeting with Belarus officials last December. The wording of the Agreement was finalised at that time and I am now delighted to hear that the Government of the Republic of Belarus and our Ambassador have formally signed the Agreement.”

The local Deputy added, “I know that many families around Clare, Limerick and Tipperary will be relieved that the agreement has been formally signed. It enables thousands of children from the contaminated areas in Belarus to continue to visit Ireland for many years to come.”

Minister Killeen paid tribute to the many local families who have hosted Belarussian children in recent years. “During the Christmas period over 100 children stayed with families throughout the Mid West Region. I am delighted that the signing of the agreement between the Republic of Belarus and Ireland will enable such visits to continue in the future. In this regard, I would like to wish the host families and the Chernobyl Children’s Project the very best.”

Minister Killeen Welcomes Ireland-Belarus Agreement

Minister of State Tony Killeen T.D. has welcomed the formal signing of an International Agreement allowing for children from the Republic of Belarus to continue visiting the Mid West Region.

The International Agreement relates to future visits of children affected by the Chernobyl disaster in Belarus in April 1986. Minister Killeen said, “The negotiations on this Agreement, which began in September of last year, culminated with a delegation of Irish Government officials meeting with Belarus officials last December. The wording of the Agreement was finalised at that time and I am now delighted to hear that the Government of the Republic of Belarus and our Ambassador have formally signed the Agreement.”

The local Deputy added, “I know that many families around Clare, Limerick and Tipperary will be relieved that the agreement has been formally signed. It enables thousands of children from the contaminated areas in Belarus to continue to visit Ireland for many years to come.”

Minister Killeen paid tribute to the many local families who have hosted Belarussian children in recent years. “During the Christmas period over 100 children stayed with families throughout the Mid West Region. I am delighted that the signing of the agreement between the Republic of Belarus and Ireland will enable such visits to continue in the future. In this regard, I would like to wish the host families and the Chernobyl Children’s Project the very best.”

Government Must Reconsider Air Tax

Independent Councillor and former Mayor of Clare Patricia McCarthy today reiterated her call on Government to abolish its new air travel tax in a bid to protect hundreds of jobs in Shannon and Dublin airports.

Councillor McCarthy issued the plea in response to Ryanair’s renewed pledge to reverse its decision to axe services at the airports should the Government decide to abolish the EUR10 tax. Ryanair’s recently announced its decision to reduce services at the airports with the expected loss of at least 300 jobs and a fall of 2 million passengers. The low cost carrier has publicly blamed the negative impact of the departure tax on travel bookings as the primary reason for its move.

Councillor McCarthy said the Government must now immediately clarify whether it intends to remove or at least reduce the tax. “It is incumbent on Government to explain to the Irish public to what extent the air travel tax is more beneficial to the economy than the significant jobs and revenue generated by the Ryanair services in question. If the Government cannot justify this tax then it should be held accountable for the loss of these jobs,” added Councillor McCarthy.

According to the Shannon-based public representative, “Whether this is a manufactured excuse for withdrawing services or not, the airline has clearly said it will reverse its decision to axe services and jobs if the tax is abolished. I believe that the benefits for the economy in having these services retained at Shannon and Dublin far outweigh the benefits associated with keeping this tax in place.”