Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2006
899 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an Irish citizen with an Irish passport living in Ireland, but who was born in the USA, is required to produce their Irish passport when travelling from the UK to Ireland by air; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28806/06]
View answer901 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if people moving between Ireland and the UK are obliged to carry proof of Irish citizenship or if a driver’s licence is sufficient; and if his attention has been drawn to persons born out of the State being challenged at entry points for only carrying a driver’s licence. [28859/06]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 899 and 901 together.
A common travel area exists between Ireland and Britain which means that there is no formal passport requirement for Irish citizens (including, of course, Irish citizens born in the United States and carrying Irish passports) travelling between the two countries. An immigration officer may, however, ask a passenger for evidence in support of a claim that he or she is an Irish citizen. Supporting documents for this purpose apart from a valid passport could include, a valid driver's licence, a valid International Student card with photograph, a valid bus pass with photograph or valid work identification with photograph.
