Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2014
38. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to legislate to ensure passport-free travel for qualifying persons travelling within the common travel area; his views on a Bill regarding this issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26370/14]
View answerThis question touches on some issues that are not within this Department’s remit, however I can confirm that there is no requirement to present a passport for travel within the common travel area. However, I am aware that at least one airline requires a passport, not for travel within the common travel area, but rather as the only approved means of establishing the identity of Irish travellers. Customers are made aware of this airline requirement at the time of flight booking and accept this requirement as just one of a number of terms and conditions of the booking. Ultimately customers have the option which airline to use and can travel without a passport within the common travel area with other carriers. Accordingly, I do not believe that enacting legislation envisaged by the Deputy would address the question of the voluntary terms and conditions to be accepted by Irish travellers when making a flight booking.
