§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Irish Government about his proposal to introduce identity cards. [175100]
§ Mr. Browne[holding answer 21 May 2004]: There have been contacts at official and at ministerial level since the publication of the "Next Steps" document in November 2003. These included meetings between my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and the Irish Minister of Justice. The Irish Government were informed of the publication of the draft Bill and consultation paper in April 2004.
Consultations are on-going between the two Administrations.
§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further assessment he has made of the implications of his plans to introduce identity cards for the common travel area between the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic since January. [175192]
§ Mr. Browne[holding answer 21 May 2004]: The principle of the Common Travel Area, which includes the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, will not be affected by the Government's proposals for art Identity Cards scheme.
Consultations will continue with the Irish Government on the implications of the identity cards scheme.