Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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609. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which the British Government notified his Department of plans to introduce a digital ID; the engagements he has had with British authorities regarding these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57141/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The announcement by the British Government concerning the introduction of a new digital ID Scheme has been noted and I look forward to seeing details of the proposals in due course.

My colleague Minister of State Brophy met with Minister Ian Murray, UK Minister for Digital Governance and Data, at the request of the UK authorities, in the course of which Minister Murray outlined in introductory terms the recently announced plans to introduce a digital ID. Minister Brophy welcomed the engagement and highlighted the importance of continued political engagement.

In keeping with the current Programme for Government and with the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both the Irish and UK Governments, the Government is fully committed to the ongoing protection of the Common Travel Area (CTA). UK and Irish officials meet regularly at senior level to this end, under the oversight of the CTA Plenary group established by the 2019 MOU, both to consider ongoing cooperation under the CTA and to address any issues arising.

My Department chairs a Common Travel Area Forum (CTAF) with the UK Home Office which acts as a steering committee for the ongoing work of protecting the CTA in relation to free movement of its citizens between both countries while at the same time ensuring that the CTA is not abused by those not entitled to avail of it. The Forum meets twice yearly but also meets in sub-group format to address particular elements of Ireland/UK co-operation, bringing together relevant subject matter expertise in areas such as asylum and border management.

More broadly, there is extensive engagement and cooperation at all levels between my Department officials and their Home Office counterparts, as well as significant operational cooperation between the Gardaí, UK Border Force, UK policing services and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. This strong practical engagement and cooperation serves the mutual interests of both Ireland and the UK.