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Republic of Ireland: Official Visits

Asked by Jim AllisterTraditional Unionist VoiceForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 12 November 2025UIN 87201

The question

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

Answered by Stephen Doughty

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.

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