James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. I will raise the matter with the Minister. As the Senator will be aware, Ireland, as a member state of the European Union, offers freedom of movement to nationals of the European Economic Area and certain family members. The relevant EU legislation in this regard is a directive on the rights of citizens of the Union and their families to move and reside freely within the territory of the member state.

I again thank the Senator for bringing this matter to the attention of the Minister. I am advised he has already passed his comments to officials working in the Department who will now examine the matter further. I would like to emphasise that any school group in Ireland that is travelling abroad should check the requirements with the host country and airline. These requirements can vary. Some countries require passports to have at least six months left on them from the date of planned departure before allowing entry into a country. The Department of Foreign Affairs website has helpful information in this regard for teachers.

Finally, I would like to wish a successful journey to the students in Coláiste Chú Chulainn, Dundalk. As I said, I will bring the matter to the attention of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Education.