Mayo holidays for child victims of the Chernobyl disaster have been secured after months of negotiations between the Government and the Government of Belarus, according to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin.
“The uncertainty that was hanging over future visits by the children caused great distress both in Chernobyl and to host families throughout Mayo and the fact that it has now been removed is a tribute to all who campaigned for an agreement,” said Minister Martin.
“While children from the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster are welcomed throughout Ireland, I know from the many correspondences I have received on this issue that Mayo has a particularly strong link with the region. Thousands of children have been welcomed in the county in recent years and have enjoyed the physical and mental benefits of being taken from a radioactive environment, even if only for a few short weeks. In addition many of the children have been hosted by families in Mayo while undergoing medical treatment in Irish hospitals.”
Since September a question mark had been placed over international visits by the children because of concerns in Belarus. An interim agreement secured allowed Christmas visits to go ahead and the latest deal puts in place a permanent arrangement.
“I am confident that we have met the concerns of the authorities in Minsk. I want to thank all those who campaigned tirelessly on this issue and continue to open their homes to children. I also want to congratulate our diplomatic staff in Moscow and Minsk who helped secure this deal.
“It is my hope that we have now cleared all obstacles and that we will see regular visits continue to Mayo,” concluded Minister Martin.
