Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004
104 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of an Irish solicitor who has been denied the opportunity of taking up an employment opportunity in Northern Ireland on the basis that they are not a British citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23039/04]
View answerI am aware of the case referred to which has been raised with the British Government through the framework of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. The issue of restrictions on employment, on the basis of nationality alone, to public service posts in the Northern Ireland Civil Service has long been of concern to the Government. It was raised with the Secretary of State, Mr. Paul Murphy, at the meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 22 January last. In keeping with the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish Government believes that such appointments should be made irrespective of British or Irish nationality.
105 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on developments on the proposal to introduce identity cards in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23040/04]
View answerThe plan to introduce an identity card in Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a long-term project that is expected to take a number of years to put in place. If, as we hope, the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland are restored at an early date, then the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has stated that it would be for the administration there to decide what use it makes of the identity cards.
In the period since the Deputy's last question on this matter in May 2004, the Home Affairs Select Committee at Westminster has finalised and published its report on identity cards. Although the select committee welcomes the introduction of a national identity card in principle, the report also highlights a number of concerns regarding the specifics, or lack thereof, in a number of key areas that must be addressed as the proposal moves forward. The question of nationality on the card, with respect to persons in Northern Ireland, is one of a number of issues yet to be finalised at this early stage.
The British Home Office, which is primarily responsible for the implementation of this plan, has demonstrated a willingness to undertake wide consultation and debate on the proposals. In this regard, the Government will continue to consult the British authorities, as appropriate, and monitor developments to ensure that the concerns of Irish citizens are fully taken into account.
