Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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38. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if passport cards will still be recognised as a valid travel document by the United Kingdom going forward post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56295/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Common Travel Area (CTA) is made up of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Under the Common Travel Area arrangements Irish and British citizens can move, live, work and study freely within the Common Travel Area.

Border controls at British entry points are a matter for the British authorities.

The British government advises that Irish citizens do not need to show their passport to a Border Force officer when travelling from Ireland to Great Britain. However, Irish citizens may be asked to show documentation that confirms their identity and nationality. Such documents may include:

- a valid Irish passport or passport card

- a copy of Irish passport or passport card with identity and nationality clearly visible

- an expired Irish passport or passport card

- evidence of having obtained British or Irish citizenship

Other forms of identity may be accepted and British authorities advise that these are considered on a case by case basis by Border Force.

Some airlines and other carriers require that Irish citizens have a valid passport to travel with them to the United Kingdom. Travellers should check with their airline regarding specific travel document requirements before travelling.