Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are nine programmes being funded in the 2014-20 period. These involve the sharing of information, the application of appropriate hardware domestically and across the European Union and the appropriate software that will allow for the sharing of information and identification, for example, of passengers. Some of the schemes under the EU Prüm Convention are automatic fingerprinting, facial recognition, working closely with Interpol and other agencies and, for example, the roll-out of what will be the passenger information exchange, the increased level of advanced security at airports and facial recognition. We are very keen that Ireland will play a full role in all of these programmes. There are particular challenges for us from a security perspective in the context of Brexit. We are keen to be at the table early to ensure we can participate in what will be best practice in the fight against terror, including in the exchange of suspects' names and watch lists, all of which is required to be done at very short notice, and the availability of information on identification and fingerprinting of those persons who would come into the State.