Vol. 552 No. 1
101 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an airline has the right to refuse travel within the EU to anybody without a driving licence or passport, in view of the fact that free movement is allowed between EU member states; and the reason it is necessary to have a passport or proof of identification to get on a plane. [11169/02]
Irish citizens travelling to EU member states other than the UK must be in possession of a valid passport to obtain entry and airlines operating services to these countries are entitled to verify that passengers comply with this requirement before departure.
In the case of travel to the UK, Irish citizens do not require a passport. I understand, however, that at least one airline which operates a ticketless booking service, requires that persons other than children under 12 years of age, present a photo identification document at check-in to confirm that their identity matches the reservations made.
