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Electronic Travel Authorisation: Northern Ireland
18 July 2023
Lead MP
Stephen Farry
Responding Minister
Robert Jenrick
Tags
Migrants & BordersNorthern IrelandCulture, Media & Sport
Word Count: 4503
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Stephen Farry raised concerns about electronic travel authorisation: northern ireland in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
The hon. Member for Belfast South and Mid Down asked if the Department had conducted any economic analysis on the loss to Northern Irish businesses due to ad hoc decisions made by tourists to come north, such as visiting cultural attractions or shopping.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Congratulates the hon. Member on securing the debate and expresses disappointment that an exemption for tour operators and insurance companies to allow visitors without electronic travel authorisation has not been implemented as previously discussed with the Home Office.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the hon. Gentleman for bringing forward an important debate on the practicalities of travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic, highlighting the hospitality industry's reliance on seamless travel for tourism.
Government Response
Robert Jenrick
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Dame Maria. I congratulate the hon. Member for North Down (Stephen Farry) on securing the debate and thank his colleagues from Northern Ireland for attending. The electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme will enhance border security by screening visitors and preventing those who pose risks from entering the UK. This aligns with international partners, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU's upcoming ETIAS. While the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland present challenges, the Government have agreed to exempt non-visa national residents of Ireland from obtaining an ETA when travelling to the UK within the common travel area (CTA). This exemption is based on presenting physical evidence demonstrating legal residency in Ireland. The scheme aims to balance security with economic concerns by working closely with tourism organisations and launching a clear communications strategy. For individuals who accidentally enter Northern Ireland without an ETA, prosecutions will focus on egregious cases, not accidental errors. The Department has conducted an impact analysis showing that the value to UK security outweighs any impact on tourism in Northern Ireland, although steps are being taken to mitigate this through collaboration with tourism bodies and cost-effective measures (maximum fee of £10). The Government remain committed to reviewing the system and finding pragmatic solutions for its success.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.