Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
347. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made recent representations to his UK counterparts in relation to proposals to introduce a visa waiver programme which would require non-Irish and UK nationals resident here apply for a visa waiver; if he opposes at EU level, UK nationals being part of the EUs visa waiver programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53225/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile not intended as formal visa waiver schemes, I take it the Deputy is referring to the UK’s proposed Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) being developed for use in the Schengen Area.
The UK’s plans to establish an ETA scheme that would apply to non-Irish residents of Ireland and tourists who wish to travel from South to North are a matter of concern for the Government.
Application of the proposed scheme could cause considerable disruption to the livelihoods of many people across the island who are not Irish or British citizens. The scheme could have a significant impact on tourism and on cross-border provision of health and other services.
The Government has made our concerns clear to the British Government since late 2021. In February, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Minister Byrne met with former Home Office Minister, Kevin Foster. At the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in March and in October, I and Minister McEntee raised the issue with the SoSNI.
I welcome the engagement of the Home Office with us on this issue and signs of increased awareness of the complexities such a scheme presents. We continue to engage extensively with a view to finding appropriate solutions.
Separately, plans are proceeding to establish a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This electronic system will relate to visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. It will operate in a similar manner to the UK ETA scheme. Given that the proposal is a Schengen-based measure, there are no plans to intervene in this matter.
