Taoiseach says passport-free travel is being abused
24/10/2007 - 13:52:24The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has told the Dáil that the passport-free travel arrangement between Ireland and Britain is being abused.
Mr Ahern was reacting to newspaper reports that the arrangement is due to end in 2009 due to new electronic border controls.
The change is designed to help the authorities track terrorist suspects, criminals and illegal immigrants.
Speaking in the Dáil this morning, Mr Ahern said the fact that more than 90% of illegal immigrants to Ireland come via the North needs to be addressed.
There have long been concerns that suspected Islamic militants have been using Ireland as a back-door entry system to the UK via the North.
