Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We have been involved before. This is the updated version of Eurodac. As I have already said, the United Kingdom has indicated it is opting-in. Obviously a lot of the issues, as I have said, regarding the Dublin Convention and the asylum seekers who come here, relate to the UK.

I wish to mention that this provision does not come into force until 15 July so the earlier we can give an indication then the better. We do not have any reservations, as a Government, on going forward with the provision. It is important that Ireland notifies its intention to accept the measures at this time in order that the procedure provided for, in Article 331(1) of the treaty on the functioning of the European Union, be commenced.

I am sure the committee has looked at the article before and is aware that it deals with the procedure whereby a member state may notify its intention to participate in enhanced co-operation. That means that the Commission, within four months of the notification, can confirm Ireland's participation, or the participation of the member state concerned. In order to ensure that the preparations in Ireland, and at an EU level, for the coming into operation of the recast Eurodac regulation on 15 July goes smoothly, it is important to settle definitively the question of whether or not we are going to be involved. That is the main reason that I ask the committee to agree the motion today.