Vol. 549 No. 3
367 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the form of identification which can be used by a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan who wishes to travel to England for Easter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6691/02]
As Irish nationals are not subject to Irish immigration law, they are not legally obliged to possess a passport in order to re-enter the State. However, immigration officers are empowered to carry out immigration checks on aliens – persons who are not Irish or British citizens – upon their arrival in the State, even from Great Britain or Northern Ireland. As a matter of practicality therefore in certain areas, an immigration officer may ask a passenger for evidence in support of a claim that he or she is an Irish citizen and is thus exempt from immigration control. While there is a number of practical ways in which this may be achieved, possession of an Irish passport is a very effective means of doing so.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Irish immigration authorities have no role in respect of the type of identification which might be sought from a person seeking to travel to the UK by either an airline or the UK immigration authorities.
Question No. 368 answered with Question No. 361.
