Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if discussions have taken place with the British authorities regarding the removal of barriers to access for tourists to markets both here and in the UK. [8120/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The UK and Ireland operate separate visa regimes and it is the case, therefore, that a person who obtains a visa to enter Ireland may also require a separate visa to enter the United Kingdom. While there could be tourism benefits from operating, for instance, a common visa policy, the issue is not as simple as it might appear. Comparisons are sometimes made with the Schengen area. It should be noted, however, that the operation of the Schengen area is underpinned by years of work on common codes, border control evaluations and IT systems. This does not mean that the two countries cannot explore ways of enhancing their systems to mutual benefit and enhanced cooperation on visa matters is an ongoing discussion item between the UK and Ireland.