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Identity Cards.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2005

Wednesday, 2 February 2005

Questions (62)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

103 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the British Prime Minister the implications for Northern Ireland of the British Government proposal to introduce compulsory identification cards for persons in its jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31171/04]

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Written answers

Discussions on the issue of national identity cards in the UK have been ongoing at official level for some time now, as my predecessor, the Minister, Deputy Cowen, outlined to the Dáil in two previous replies on 18 May and on 30 September 2004. At this early stage of the proposal, official level contact remains the most appropriate level at which to address our concerns. My officials from the Embassy of Ireland in London have met the British authorities on a number of occasions to discuss the implications of this proposal for both residents in Northern Ireland and Irish nationals living in the United Kingdom. In addition, officials from our embassy in London and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform are meeting the Home Office this week where an update on the ID Cards Bill is on the agenda. The proposal to introduce ID cards will, I understand, take a number of years to put into place.

At present, there are a number of key areas yet to be addressed, including the designation of nationality with respect to persons living in Northern Ireland. The discussions on this particular issue have focused on the relevant passages of the Good Friday Agreement, and my officials have received assurances that they will continue to be consulted as the proposal develops.

The Government will liaise closely with the British Government on the issues of concern to us as this proposal progresses, and we will continue to ensure that the concerns of Irish citizens in this regard are fully addressed.

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