Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand fully the point Senator Black has made.

While there are different regulations across different EU member states it is very important in this instance that we be particularly mindful of the situation in the UK where the period is set at 12 months. Having regard to the fact that when the UK leaves the European Union our relationship with the UK will still be very much governed by the common travel arrangements, I would be concerned if there was a significant divergence between our regime and a set of laws in the United Kingdom. That is why I am anxious to keep the period here as close as possible to that in the UK with respect to nine months and 12 months.