Romanians and Bulgarians can soon visit without visas

CITIZENS of Romania and Bulgaria will no longer need visas to travel to Ireland once negotiations currently taking place conclude.

At present, citizens from these countries require a visa before they travel because a common travel area agreed between Ireland and Britain necessitates that all non-EU citizens travel with visas.

Talks between the Irish, British and Romanian Governments, now nearing completion, are expected to clear the way for visa-free travel within 18 months.

However, all other normal travel restrictions will apply and those travelling will still be required to prove that they have work and can support themselves before they are allowed remain in Ireland.

Speaking following a meeting with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Bucharest yesterday, Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Nasaste said he hoped Romanians would no longer require visas to enter Ireland before the end of next year. Raising the issue of illegal immigration, Mr Nasaste also said Romania would do everything in its power to assist any problems caused by illegal immigrants in Ireland.

A repatriation agreement between Ireland and Romania has successfully seen hundreds of illegal immigrants and failed asylum seekers deported since it was signed last year, including 22 Romanians flown home on Tuesday by private charter.

When questioned by reporters in Bucharest yesterday, Mr Ahern was anxious to play down the issue and reassured his Romanian counterpart that illegal immigration involving Romanians was no longer an issue in Ireland. "As far as we are concerned there are no further difficulties," he said. During a separate visit to Bulgaria yesterday morning Mr Ahern outlined his goals for Ireland's term as EU president, saying there would be a strong focus on the EU European economy and the continuing process of enlargement.

The responsibility of completing the EU accession process would fall to Ireland come January, Mr Ahern said. "It is for us to complete the enlargement process by May 1st so the accession countries in this first stream will join." he said.

Paying tribute to the progress made by Bulgaria which along with Romania is aiming for a 2007 EU accession date Mr Ahern promised to help both countries fulfil the entry criteria in time and acknowledged the progress already made to date. "We acknowledge and congratulate you on the work that has been completed."

Following his meeting with the Taoiseach yesterday morning, Bulgarian Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha paid tribute to Ireland, saying it was a model of progress his country looked up to. In particular, the he singled out the IDA and Enterprise Ireland as models he would like Bulgaria to follow in order to attract foreign investment into the country.

During his visit to Sofia, Mr Ahern also held brief meetings with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov and chairman of the national assembly Professor Gerdjikov.

Expanding further on Ireland's agenda for next year's presidency Mr Ahern said the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and Iraq would be paramount. With regard to Iraq, Mr Ahern said he wanted to improve the transatlantic relationship between Europe and America while also extending Europe's strategic role in crisis management in areas of conflict.