Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
604. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the implementation of the UK Nationality and Borders Act and the need to have exemptions to this scheme to ensure the continuation of the free movement of people on a cross-Border basis on this island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63514/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UK Nationality and Borders Act provides for the establishment of a scheme under which non-Irish and non-British citizens would need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. While details of how this scheme will be implemented still need to be established, I am deeply concerned at the potential impact of the scheme on non-Irish residents of Ireland and visitors who wish to travel from South to North.The introduction of the ETA scheme - as it is currently proposed by the UK government - would impact upon the fluid nature of movement on the island, and on the effectiveness of North-South cooperation under Strand Two of the Good Friday Agreement. There are particular concerns relating to tourism and cross border health service provision, both of which have a cross border dimension.
Tourism Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance have articulated clearly to the UK Government the risks to tourism, in particular the tourism industry in Northern Ireland. Since this legislation was proposed, the Government has been engaging actively with the UK on this issue. As Taoiseach, I voiced my concerns repeatedly. My predecessor as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Coveney, in addition to expressing the Government's concerns in writing to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, has together with the Minister for Justice used the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference to follow-up on these concerns formally with the UK government. The introduction of the ETA will again be discussed at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference meeting in Dublin on 19 January. In addition to high level political contact, there continues to be regular engagement at official level to scope out possible exemptions to the scheme.
