Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what status citizens of the Republic of Ireland will have in the UK after the UK leaves the EU; and whether she plans to review the Ireland Act 1949.

The close historic, social and cultural ties between the UK and Ireland have led to the creation of additional rights above those associated with common membership of the EU. Leaders in the UK and Ireland have confirmed their commitment to protecting these rights enjoyed by UK and Irish nationals when in the other State.

As outlined in the UK Government policy paper released on 26 June, relating to the rights of EU citizens living in the UK, we want to protect the rights enjoyed by UK and Irish nationals when in the other State. Irish citizens residing in the UK will not be required to apply for settled status to protect their entitlements.

While the special status afforded to Irish citizens within the UK is rooted in the Ireland Act 1949 it has been provided for by subsequent primary and secondary legislation, including the Immigration Act 1971, and UK-Ireland bilateral agreements which are distinct from EEA Treaty rights.