Vol. 249 No. 9
asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he has had discussions with the British Government regarding legislative proposals in Britain to control the entry of Irish citizens to Britain for employment; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
15.
asked the Minister for External Affairs if his attention has been drawn to reports (details supplied) of intentions on the part of the British Government to require Irish citizens to obtain permits to work in Britain; if he has any information; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
16.
asked the Minister for External Affairs what agreements govern the rights of Irish citizens in Britain and British citizens in Ireland; and whether the British Government have given any indication of an intention to modify the rights of Irish citizens in Britain.
17.
asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will make a statement in relation to reports that the British Government are considering the restriction of immigration from the Republic to Britain; if so, what he intends to do about the matter in view of the several hundreds of thousands of Irish at work in that country; if it was mentioned in the Taoiseach's recent talks in New York with Mr. Heath; if he has approached the British Home Office on the matter; and, if so, with what results.
18.
asked the Minister for External Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) that Irish emigrants in Britain may require work permits; if he has had any discussion with the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 to 18 together.
There is complete freedom of movement for workers from Ireland wishing to take up employment in Britain. I have no reason to believe that there is any foundation in the reports referred to.
Would the Minister be good enough to answer Question No. 16 which asks him to state specifically what agreement governs the rights of our citizens in Britain and the rights of British citizens here?
The Government of Ireland Act passed by the British Parliament in 1949 provides in section 2 (1) that the Republic of Ireland is not a foreign country for the purpose of any law in force in any part of the United Kingdom and references in any Act of Parliament, other enactment, or other instrument whatsoever to foreigners, aliens, foreign countries shall be construed accordingly. In consequence of this, Irish citizens enjoy complete freedom of entry and stay in the United Kingdom; they benefit from the social security system and they are given the vote. The Deputy is aware that both countries are applicants for membership of the European Economic Community and freedom of movement of workers would be part of the undertaking of the Treaty of Rome.
Having regard to the statements which were made claiming they were based on sound information, has the Minister or his Department made a démarche or any other representation to the British Government?
I sought to confirm the reports by every means open to me through the diplomatic service and I have not been able to confirm that there is any foundation in them. On the contrary I have been told there is no foundation.
