Written questions

Republic of Ireland: Official Visits

Commons · Question 87201 · Tabled 31 Oct 2025 · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office · Official record

Answered 12 Nov 2025

Question

Asked by Jim Allister

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what protocols govern the President of the Republic of Ireland carrying out engagements in Northern Ireland; and whether the UK Government is (a) notified and (b) required to

Answer

Answered by Stephen Doughty, 12 Nov 2025

There is no formal requirement for a Head of State to notify the UK Government ahead of a visit to the UK. In practice, most foreign governments do notify the UK government ahead of visits, particularly to discuss security arrangements.