Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

167. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will report on his engagements regarding the British government’s electronic authorisation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15966/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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. The scheme entered into force on a phased basis from October 2023.

The ETA requirement does not apply to Irish citizens due to the Common Travel Area arrangements. However, the fact that the proposed ETA scheme does not provide for an exemption for international tourists who wish to travel from Ireland to Northern Ireland is a matter of concern for the tourism industry on the entirety of the island.

Officials from the Department and Tourism Ireland engage on a regular basis with UK Home Office officials in relation to the ETA scheme and they will continue to closely monitor its impact on tourism and travel on this island.