Madam, - The British plan for an "electronic border" with the Republic has some very worrying aspects. Yesterday's (July 25th) British consultation paper declares "we will explore with the Irish Government a common (short stay visit) visa or mutual recognition of two national visas issued to the same standards". Is the Irish Government planning to allow foreigners presenting UK visas to enter Ireland?
While I can see that such a plan would have practical appeal, it also carries serious risks. 90 per cent of our illegal immigrants arrive in Ireland via the UK.
Currently they must attempt to slip in through our laxly controlled Border and sea ports.
Under the plan, Ireland and the UK would beef up border policing but allow these people to enter unhindered. We would effectively be locking the back door while handing out keys to the front door. And would Ireland have any control over who the UK chose to issue visas to?
Is it not time we joined Schengen?
Unlike the half-baked plan being discussed with the UK, Schengen offers a tried and tested system for sharing information on criminals, while allowing sensible freedom of movement to both EU nationals and foreign residents with the proper papers.
Why is the Government trying to reinvent the wheel on immigration when Schengen has proven its success for over two decades? - Yours, etc,
MARK SUGRUE,
Artane,
Dublin 5