Shatter announces temporary visa waiver programme
The Justice and Defence Minister Alan Shatter has announced Ireland's first visa waiver programme on a pilot basis.
People from 14 countries - including China, India, and parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East - will no longer need a visa for a short-term visit here once they have cleared immigration in the UK.
The Government hopes it will result in extra tourism revenue, especially from business and the London Olympics next year.
It could also provide a boost for English language schools in Ireland.
