Written Question: Common Travel Area Forum

Lord Moylan: To ask His Majesty's Government when the Common Travel Area Forum most recently discussed passport-free direct air travel between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Hanson of Flint): The Common Travel Area (CTA) allows British and Irish citizens to travel freely between the UK and Ireland and reside in either jurisdiction. It also facilitates the enjoyment of associated rights and privileges including the right to work to study and to access social security benefits and health services.

The UK and Ireland have a close and collaborative working relationship on a range of issues, including migration and border security. That collaboration includes a joint commitment to protect the Common Travel Area (CTA) from abuse while preserving the rights of British and Irish citizens.