Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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164. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if there will be immediate implications on the common travel area between Ireland and the United Kingdom following on from Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19472/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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There are no immediate implications for the Common Travel Area (CTA) arising from the UK referendum result. People can still travel as normal between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland.

The Common Travel Area has been in existence since 1922. It is an important feature of the close relationship between Ireland and the UK with long-established benefits for trade and tourism between our two countries. It operates across a range of areas including allowing for free movement between Ireland and the UK, and access to social welfare.

It is an arrangement that is valued on both islands. It is a priority of the Irish Government to maintain the Common Travel Area and this will be reflected in the negotiations with the United Kingdom. I, and the Government, will pursue an agreement to maintain such arrangements in a way that is compatible with both our national interests and the interests of the European Union.