Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2023
212. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the outcome of discussions she has had with her counterpart in the British Government concerning the difficulties that will arise for the tourism sector on an all-island basis if the proposed electronic travel authorisation scheme is implemented as proposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14558/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the UK Government recently announced that it will provide an exemption to its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme for legal residents of Ireland. This exemption is welcome, especially with regard to non-British and non-Irish citizens employed in the tourism sector and who traverse the border in the course of their work, such as coach drivers, taxi drivers and tour guides. This particular exemption has been secured given consideration of issues raised by Irish Ministers and officials.
However, the fact that the proposed ETA scheme does not provide for an exemption for international tourists who wish to travel from Ireland to Northern Ireland is a matter of ongoing concern for the Government and for the tourism industry, both North and South.
Seamless cross-border travel has been a key enabler for the record growth of tourism to the island over the past decade and having to apply for pre-travel clearance in order to cross the border into Northern Ireland would result in an additional layer of bureaucracy and complexity, as well as additional cost, for visitors. Tourism Ireland research has continually confirmed that hassle and expense are key deterrents for travellers when choosing their holiday destination and this is therefore of concern in relation to any ETA requirement.
Since 2021, the Irish Government has raised concerns about the ETA proposals with the UK Government. Governmental engagement on this issue has been primarily led by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Justice and other Ministers have also engaged directly with the UK Government, highlighting how the proposed scheme could inhibit the fluid nature of movement on the island and North-South cooperation, especially with regard to all-island tourism.
While it has not been possible at this time to secure an exemption to facilitate the all-island tourism economy, the Government will continue to engage on this along with Northern Ireland stakeholders. In addition, officials from this Department continue to liaise with their counterparts in the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland on the matter.
My Department and both tourism agencies will continue to foster north-south co-operation to enhance an all-island tourism offering and grow international visitor numbers to the entire island.
