asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he is aware of the delay and difficulty experienced at Belfast by County Donegal migratory labourers and others crossing to England and Scotland, who despite the fact that they are in possession of travel permits endorsed for travel via the Six Counties, are generally delayed there for days before being permitted by the authorities to proceed, and in some cases are forced to return and embark from a port in the Twenty-Six Counties; also, whether, in view of the fact that holders of travel permits sailing from ports in the Twenty-Six Counties are admitted without delay by the authorities in Great Britain, arrangements could not be made to ensure that similar consideration will be shown to our citizens sailing from Belfast by the authorities at that port.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Travel Permits to Great Britain.
The British regulation at present in force requires all persons leaving ports in Great Britain for Ireland and ports in the Six Counties for Great Britain to have a travel document, i.e., either a passport or travel permit, which must bear an exit permit stamp. Persons holding a travel permit or passport from the Irish Government when travelling from Six County ports are not exempt from the rule requiring the affixing of the British exit permit stamp. I know that hardships and inconvenience have been caused in a number of cases and discussions have been taking place with the British Government with a view to removing the present difficulties. I am hopeful that these discussions will have a successful issue.