Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach said earlier that there is a need for sensible and practical co-operation on a North-South basis. Are there any plans to develop a common approach North and South on the issue of immigration? We have to deal with the implications of the UK e-border system. The British Government is looking to amend the common travel area in a Bill that it hopes to bring forward after the general election there.

Have any discussions taken place between the Taoiseach's office and the British Prime Minister's office on the e-border system? The Government here has shelved its plans to develop a shadow system in this jurisdiction, which has implications in dealing with the problem of cross-Border social welfare fraud and illegal immigration. In light of the fact that our Border with Northern Ireland is about as effective as a sieve and that there are 15.6 million people moving across the common travel area every year, what discussions are taking place between the Taoiseach's office and that of the British Prime Minister to have a co-ordinated approach? Has any consideration been given to the practical savings that could be made on fraud and illegal immigration by proceeding with our system?

See this speech in context