Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One of the many benefits of the Good Friday Agreement has been the establishment of all-Ireland bodies including Tourism Ireland which is responsible for marketing the island of Ireland as a premier holiday destination. It has been successful in growing the tourism industry North and South. The British Government has introduced secondary legislation to put in place its electronic travel authorisation scheme for autumn this year. It will require people visiting Britain to have visas. Irish citizens are exempt due to the common travel area and legal residents in this country are also exempt. However, the introduction of this scheme is the source of serious concern for the tourism industry in this island. The majority of international visitors to Northern Ireland arrive via our jurisdiction. The tourism industry North and South is very disappointed that there has not been or that there will not be an exemption for tourists travelling to this State and then going on to Northern Ireland. The free movement of people has been critical in growing our tourism industry and our economy North and South. I would like the Government to continue to push the British Government on this matter and provide exemptions for tourists travelling to our country who visit North and South.

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