asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will take up with the British Government the question of securing the removal of the regulation requiring Irish citizens to be in possession of a valid passport or travel permit, with a visa, before they can land in England.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Travelling Regulations Between Ireland and England.
I do not think that such an approach would serve any useful purpose. The requirement in question is not restricted to Irish citizens or to this country. It is of general application, and we have already been given to understand that, for domestic reasons of their own, including their present housing and food shortages, the British authorities consider it necessary to maintain the requirement in present circumstances.
Is the Taoiseach aware that there are hundreds of British subjects, and subjects of the Dominions of Australia, Canada and New Zealand arriving here daily, as well as their Allies, the Americans, where they meet with every hospitality and friendship?
Why not?
The bloodstock industry is a very valuable one, and it is surely a very peculiar state of affairs——
The Deputy cannot go to the Grand National—it is breaking his heart.
Deputy Dillon would get over, anyway. The British Chief Permit Officer will see that he will get over.
I have not succeeded very well so far.
Has the Deputy a supplementary question to ask?
Will the Taoiseach make further representations to the British authorities so that Irish people interested in racing can proceed to Liverpool to see the Grand National?
Is there any easement of the position regarding passports for wives of Irishmen who are residing here but whose husbands are resident in Great Britain? Has the Taoiseach made any overtures with a view to getting the wives over to Great Britain, where the families intend to settle down, instead of trying to keep two homes, one in Great Britain and one here?
I think the Deputy had better give notice of that question.