Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the matter of the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union and the question of whether the UK authority will retain access to the ECRIS, I do not wish to engage in any speculation but this has been the subject of discussions between our respective jurisdictions. It is certainly my wish, as Minister for Justice and Equality with responsibility for the criminal justice area, and the wish of the Government that the relationship between the UK and the European Union would be as close as possible following the withdrawal of the UK from the Union.

I am aware of the value and importance of a positive and co-operative engagement and relationship, not only in the sharing and exchange of ECRIS type information but across a range of security issues. I do not wish to speculate on what the outcome will be and on whether the withdrawal agreement will take effect sometime next year, which would facilitate the movement into the future relationship. In the criminal justice area and in the matter of international security, there are issues of a fundamental nature that will be the subject of discussion. It is my intention to ensure there would be the closest possible relationship, having regard to our geographic proximity, to the common travel area arrangements and to our North-South arrangements.