Written answers

Thursday, 23 May 2013

Department of Justice and Equality

Common Travel Area

Photo of Andrew DoyleAndrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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144. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the effect a United Kingdom withdrawal from the European Union would have on the common travel area between Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24934/13]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy no doubt will appreciate, it would be futile to speculate on what might happen across a huge range of areas and activities between Ireland and the UK should the UK exit the EU. Quite clearly the existence of the Common Travel Area is of the most profound importance in the conduct of trade, business and travel for citizens of both jurisdictions. Any action that would jeopardise or disturb well-settled public policy in this area would be completely inimical to the interests of both countries. In a scenario where, for example, Ireland joined the Schengen Agreement for the purposes of border control and visas, and the UK had exited the EU, the question of systematic immigration checks at all points of entry to Northern Ireland from here would be an issue to be resolved. There would also be many other such practical issues - none of which could be resolved without causing major disruption in the relationship between the countries.

I can assure the Deputy that the preservation of the Common Travel Area is of immense political, economic and social significance to both Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Deputy may recall that in the Joint Statement on British Irish relations - the Next Decade, signed by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister on 12th March, 2012 reference is made to the Common Travel Area in the following terms: "We remain firmly committed to preserving and protecting the Common Travel Area, which allows ease of travel for our people. We will continue to work together on immigration issues, and to combat potential vulnerabilities from terrorism, illegal immigration and organised crime."

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