The Republic and the United Kingdom may need to consider operating a common border security system in coming years, a British home office minister suggested last night.
Minister of state for security, counter-terrorism, crime and policing Tony McNulty is in Dublin for talks today with Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan and Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy.
The British government is planning to create a high-tech e-border passports and visa system, which will come into place in stages from late next year, or 2009.
Asked if both states should operate common systems, he said: "There is some logic to each state coming up with the most effective and efficient border security.
"I think that might mean a degree of commonality and mutuality, sure, which I think that people should be relaxed about," Mr McNulty said.
Acknowledging that such a system might raise sovereignty concerns in some, Mr McNulty said: "I think those concerns are important, and it is important that both governments are alive to those concerns.
"I do accept that. These things do need to be done in a very sensitive fashion, and in a fashion that respects the relationship between the two countries over the last 30 years," he said, following a speech to the Institute of European Affairs in Dublin last evening.
However, he said it was in the best interests of the Republic and the UK to have the "most effectively-protected borders that we can" in ways that dovetail into systems used elsewhere in the UK. He insisted that he would not pre-empt the outcome of discussions that are an early stage between the British home office and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Last week, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said that nine out of ten illegal immigrants found in the Republic are entering through the Border, not via ports, and airports.
Praising the co-operation that already exists between Irish and British police forces, he said both now have to contend with global criminal threats, such as Albanian human traffickers.
But he dismissed talk that the Common Travel Area which has existed between the Republic and the UK since the 1960s is under threat.
Describing speculation that the agreement would end in 2009 as "a kerfuffle", he told The Irish Times:"We know and understand the historical significance of the Common Travel Area."
Unionists are angry that an e-border security system would require Northern Ireland residents to produce passports, or other ID just to travel elsewhere within the UK.
Mr McNulty said he believed it would be remiss of both governments not to constantly review the security and integrity of their borders, not least with the introduction of new technologies.
"Given our geography and history it would be remiss if the two governments were not talking to each other about border security in the whole of the island more generally," Mr McNulty added.
The first part of the UK system will come into force late next year, or in 2009 for those entering the UK from countries from where they need visas to travel.
Pointing out that most airlines already require passport or photo ID from passengers, Mr McNulty said he had to produce ID - his passport - before travelling from London to Scotland on a number of occasions last year following a terrorist scare.
"In a broader sense, which is not to be misinterpreted about the Common Travel Area, I think photo ID for travel will become the norm, not just for an emergency like we had last August," he commented.
