Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, today welcomed the signing of a formal agreement between the Irish and UK governments that provides for the continuation of key aspects of the Ireland-UK Common Travel Area (CTA), whatever the outcome of Brexit negotiations.
Existing CTA provisions provide for the free movement of people across the islands, but it also allows citizens of Ireland and the UK to access various services and benefits in each country, such as the right to reside, work, access public services and vote in certain elections.
Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said:
“The rights and provisions of the CTA are vital to the functioning of the all-island economy. The CTA is a fundamental basis and premise on which the Northern Ireland Peace Process is built, and it needs to be protected whatever the outcome of Brexit negotiations.
“The CTA underpins longstanding Irish-UK ties and reflects the deeply integrated nature of the two countries and their economies. Many companies are organised on an Ireland-UK basis and the free flow of labour and talent between the two jurisdictions is crucial to the smooth operations of commerce.”
