Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
503. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the progress made in establishing enhanced data sharing arrangements with UK authorities under the common travel area to address cross Border illegal migration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52743/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland and the United Kingdom have a shared responsibility and a shared interest in protecting the Common Travel Area (CTA). It offers great advantages to our people on a social and economic level. The invisible border on the island of Ireland is among the most tangible gains of the peace process and is essential to the continuing normalisation of relationships.
At the UK Ireland Summit in March it was agreed that further steps would be taken to ensure that the CTA remains secure by working together to expand immigration data sharing arrangements, particularly in preventing abuse of CTA free movement by those not entitled to its benefits.
In June, I discussed the importance of cross border cooperation in protecting the CTA for both Ireland and the UK by phone with the Northern Ireland Minister for Justice, Naomi Long and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hillary Benn. I also spoke with UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood; we discussed recent events across Northern Ireland, the ongoing need for cross border cooperation and our shared focus on protecting the Common Travel Area. Furthermore, I intend to meet with the Home Secretary at the earliest opportunity to discuss relevant matters, including returns.
I can advise the Deputy that 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 and will continue.
