Written Question: UK-Ireland Flights

Lord Moylan: To ask His Majesty's Government when the Common Travel Area Forum last met; whether ministers attended that meeting; whether minutes of that meeting will be published; and 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 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 from abuse, while preserving the rights of British and Irish citizens. Conversations on this are ongoing including through the Common Travel Area Forum (CTAF).

The CTAF is an official level meeting co-chaired by the UK Home Office and Ireland’s Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and last met at the beginning of May this year. The minutes are not published.