Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK has welcomed the public debate generated by the Department’s consultation on the principle of introducing border identity checks for people travelling to and from the Isle of Man by sea.

More than 700 written and online responses have been submitted since the consultation was launched in December.

Identity checks at sea ports are being considered as a way of enhancing the safety of the Isle of Man and its residents. The Department believes that a requirement for people to verify their identity before travelling by sea would help to combat crime.

The deadline for responses is Friday 12 February 2016 and people can provide feedback via the online survey or in writing to dhaconsultation@gov.im or Karl Cubbon, Legislation and Policy Officer, Chief Executive’s Office, Department of Home Affairs Headquarters, Tromode Road, Douglas, IM2 5PA. The consultation document is available to view on the Government website.

Minister Watterson said: ‘The consultation is intended to stimulate an open discussion on this important issue. We want to know if border identity checks are seen as an acceptable means of protecting our Island from criminal activity when balanced against any potential inconvenience to the travelling public.’

He added: ‘I’d like to thank those who have already contributed their views and encourage others to have their say before the consultation closes on 12 February. The Department will assess all the feedback before considering its next step.’