AQO 1412/11-15

Mr Daithí McKay
Sinn Féin
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 16/02/2012
Answered On Date: 27/02/2012
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what discussions she has had with the Dublin Government and the Secretary of State on a visa waiver scheme for tourists from Asia.

Answer:

I discussed this issue with Hugo Swire, NIO Minister of State last month.

The Republic of Ireland, ROI, introduced a visa waiver programme, operating for nationals of 16 countries for a trial period from July 2011 to October 2012, in order to seek to attract visitors to Ireland who hold a valid visa for entry into the UK. Under the programme, nationals of those countries arriving in the UK with a valid UK visa are able to enter the RoI without any further documentation. However, if they enter the RoI on an Irish visa they cannot then enter UK. They cannot therefore visit NI.

I have raised the issue of a reciprocal visa waiver scheme for those entering NI with a valid Irish visa. I understand there are security and resource implications which currently prevent the introduction of such a scheme. I will continue to raise this issue with both Governments.