HL Deb 05 February 2001 vol 621 c83WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will estimate the number of British passport holders who are resident in the Irish Republic. [HL493]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

It is impossible to estimate accurately the number of British passport holders currently resident in the Irish Republic. Given the freedom of movement in the EU, British passport holders are free to settle in Ireland at any time. The consular section at the embassy does not hold a register of the British passport holders in the country; given the freedom of movement between EU countries such a register would in any event be impractical and inaccurate.