Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
95. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will ensure there will be further engagement with the UK Government and stakeholders in Northern Ireland regarding the impact of the electronic travel authorisation scheme for tourists travelling to Northern Ireland via this State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34632/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to his earlier Parliamentary Question No. 82 of June 28 last when the matter of the UK electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme was discussed.
Since 2021, the Irish Government has raised concerns about the ETA proposals with the UK Government and Governmental engagement on this issue has been primarily led by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Additionally, 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.
Recently, the Government raised the UK’s ETA proposals again with the UK at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 19 June. We continue to closely monitor the impact of the ETA scheme on tourism and travel on this island.
Government officials will continue to engage with the UK Government and Northern Ireland stakeholders on the matter.
