Hannigan asks Ryanair to drop passport requirement for UK travel

Spokesperson on Commuter Issues; Environment and Local Government; Foreign Affairs; Defence

Pressure should be put on Ryanair to drop its rules requiring travellers between Ireland and the UK to carry a passport, according to Meath Senator Dominic Hannigan.

The Labour Senator made the proposal at an emergency meeting of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs committee called to deal with the fallout from the dispute between public service unions and the Government.

“The passport crisis is affecting the lives of thousands of people who are finding that because of the industrial action they can’t make business engagements, family occasions or enjoy their holiday plans. There are now almost 50,000 passport applications backed up in the passport office,” said Senator Hannigan.

Senator Hannigan said Dublin Airport, the country’s biggest, had 1.2 million passengers in February.

“From a rough analysis of Dublin Airport’s traffic movements it seems some 40 per cent of passengers travel to the UK. As Ryanair is a principal carrier it is reasonable to assume many of them travel with that airline. If Ryanair were to lift their requirement for a passport on flights between Ireland and the UK, it could mean that thousands of people waiting for their passport would be able to travel using legally valid photo I.D such as a driving license.”

Senator Hannigan, who is a member of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee, said the move would only be required on a temporary basis.

“I have written to Ryanair’s Chief Executive Michael O’Leary. I am aware that he may have concerns that a temporary lifting of the passport requirement would set a precedent. However I have urged him to think about the positive goodwill for Ryanair that such an action would generate.”