Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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239. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of any recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the British Foreign Secretary concerning the difficulties that will be caused by the proposed electronic travel authorisation scheme as that legislation is currently framed; if he is aware of the concerns of some people travelling across the Border on this island on a regular basis, both residents and visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14557/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The UK Nationality and Borders Act 2022 provides for the establishment of a scheme under which non-Visa required nationals will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. This requirement will not apply to Irish citizens due to the Common Travel Area arrangements. The scheme will enter into force on a phased basis from October this year.

Since 2021, the Government has raised its serious concerns about the ETA proposals with the UK Government, given their anticipated impact on residents of Ireland and visitors to the island of Ireland.

As Taoiseach, I voiced my concerns repeatedly. At the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in January, I raised with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the risks the scheme presents to the fluid nature of movement on the island and to the effectiveness of North-South cooperation under Strand Two of the Good Friday Agreement. I highlighted the need to protect cross-border cooperation on tourism in particular.

On 9 March, the UK government introduced secondary legislation required to put in place the ETA scheme. Significantly, and on foot of our discussions with the UK, these rules establish an exemption from the ETA requirement for legal residents of Ireland who do not need a visa to visit the UK. This exemption is to apply CTA-wide so will cover travel from South to North and from West to East.

While this is welcome progress, I remain very concerned about the anticipated impact of the ETA scheme on the all-island tourism economy. An estimated 70% of international visitors to Northern Ireland arrive via this jurisdiction. Tourism stakeholders, including the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance, have clearly articulated their disappointment that a short-term exemption for overseas visitors from South to North has not been introduced at this time.

I will continue to engage with the UK Government and Northern Ireland stakeholders, including the Assembly parties – and, when restored, the Northern Ireland Executive – on the matter.