Gov't defends travel ID moves

Government motives questioned

A Northern Irish Human Rights Organisation is questioning the Isle of Man Government's moves over identity checks when travelling.

After questions from bodies on the Island, including the police, about the neccesity of imposing checks on ferry passengers, a consultation was carried out.

But the concept, says the Committee on the Administration of Justice, the CAJ, flies in the face of the idea of the Common Travel Area. 

58 per cent of respondents to the Manx consultation agreed that the use of false names by some people travelling to the Island was now of such concern that a measure to identify persons travelling was needed.

But the Belfast-based group, which has a particular interest in the Northern Ireland peace settlement, is claiming such a move is contrary to the freedom principles in the Common Travel Area.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle says the consultation suggests what's needed is an acceptable document, to prove the person travelling matches that on booking information.

But he stresses the Manx government is committed to remaining within the CTA.

The Committee says what the Manx are proposing would be a legal requirement - which they say isn't needed on Irish Sea ferries, while some airlines ask for photo ID for their own internal commercial reasons.