Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In terms of business as well as tourism, the issue of visa entries is of concern to all members and witnesses. At the opening stages of Brexit negotiations, the Taoiseach outlined the situation regarding Ireland and what the Government wants to achieve. The British Prime Minister, Theresa May, has reciprocated in terms of the special case and relationship that Ireland has with the United Kingdom. The issue of visa entries will form part of the overall Brexit negotiations to take place with the European Union. The common visa situation is a recent development in many cases. It was developed to ease access into Ireland. It facilitates and suits us because Ireland does not have a diplomatic presence in many Asian countries. It is a great facilitation for people to be able to transit through Heathrow or Gatwick directly on to Dublin, Shannon, Cork or elsewhere. That ease of access is important and the Government wants to try to maintain it.

The issue of travel visas falls outside the remit of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. It is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and for the Department of Justice and Equality in terms of the inward visit. My officials have intimated, both at the Brexit Cabinet sub-committee and in their own bilateral interactions with other Departments, that this issue is very important. Ultimately, the retention of the common travel area is critical in terms of Ireland's overall standpoint and, as Deputy Munster rightly pointed out, for the development of new and emerging markets. It will form part of discussions on Brexit. We will have to see how it will play out but the Government perspective and starting point is that the common travel area between the UK and Ireland, which predates our entry into the then EEC, should be retained.