I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.
In November last in reply to a number of questions I stated that we had been in consultation with the British Government concerning the provisions of the British Immigrants Bill and the question of how the freedom of movement of persons between Ireland and Britain might be preserved. As has now been stated by the British Home Secretary, it is not intended, in practice, to apply to persons coming from Ireland the provisions of the Bill restricting immigration to Britain. Consequently in order to preserve free movement between both countries it will be necessary for us to take steps which would enable us to control entry to Ireland from all countries other than Britain. This matter is under active consideration and we are in touch with the British authorities concerning it.
The question of the necessity for legislation to deal with the matter is also under consideration.