Written Question·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·UIN 87201
Republic of Ireland: Official Visits
Tabled: 31 October 2025
Answered: 12 November 2025
Named DayQuestion
Jim Allister
Traditional Unionist Voice — North Antrim
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
Stephen DoughtyThere 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.