BRITAIN:The British home secretary Charles Clarke will visit Ireland shortly to discuss the consequences of his plan to introduce ID cards in Britain and Northern Ireland.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said yesterday Mr Clarke had agreed to attend a planned summit on the issue, which could ultimately lead to the Republic having to introduce its own form of identification-card system.
Mr McDowell said Mr Clarke believed the legislation would receive royal assent in Britain before the summer, so it was essential to examine how it would affect the British and Irish common travel area and Irish citizens who live in Northern Ireland.
The issue raised crucial issues such as the cost of any ID card system introduced in the Republic, which could involve cards costing between €50 to €60 per person.
It also raised the issue of whether citizens living in Northern Ireland should carry a British ID card.
He said there were a number of options under consideration by officials, including introducing an Irish ID card that would be recognised by the British authorities.
A British ID card system could also cause problems for Irish people who commute to Northern Ireland for employment purposes, he added.
Mr Clarke has proposed introducing ID cards to Britain to help in the fight against terrorism.
The proposal is controversial and it is unclear when ID cards would be introduced.