Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are discussing it briefly in the Chamber on Thursday, but I would be concerned about the proposal. The briefing note says there is really no need for us to opt in and that we have nothing to lose by not opting in, with which I agree. There has been no full comprehensive impact assessment of ETIAS and this is just another rush job. There are potential implications regarding the right to privacy and the right to data protection. Organisations like the European Agency for Fundamental Rights have huge concerns about this and that the materials will be used for racial profiling. This seems to be what it is being set up for - let us be clear about it - and saying "ah sure look, no Irish people are going to be affected by that" is not a good enough reason for us to join up. There are many dangers in terms of data protection against a backdrop of more global incidences of hacking. At best, it is a massive waste of money and, at worst, it is an exercise in further surveillance and racial profiling and I do not think there is any benefit for us in joining. I would be very reluctant to give it any approval.