Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 May 2008
495 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are proposals between the British and Irish Governments to allow tourists visit either country on a single visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17762/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraTourist visas are only a subset of Short Stay visas which cover intended stays of 90 days or less in Ireland; there are many other types of Short Stay visa such as business travel, visit to family member, conferences, examinations, intra-company transfers, sports and cultural events, etc. It is also the case that visas are the first line of defence in the field of immigration control. In common with most states, Ireland and Great Britain have their own, respective social, economic and security priorities and immigration policies and, as such, each issues its own visas on a worldwide basis.
While there is a high level of co-operation between Great Britain and Ireland in the immigration and visa areas in the context of the Common Travel Area, there are currently no plans in place to allow travel to both Great Britain and Ireland on a single visa.
