Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Taoiseach for that information. The basis of the Schengen Agreement was that persons entering Europe would have to have their documentation examined. If they were not European Union citizens and their documentation was not in order they would be sent back to where they came from. Some serious scams have been going on in a number of countries with people purchasing two tickets in order to enter Britain in particular and then, in some cases, coming here. I understand this is a long-term project, that we do not want a return to Border customs controls between here and Northern Ireland given where we are in regard to the Good Friday Agreement, and that that is not envisaged in terms of the land border.

Does the Taoiseach consider that Ireland should again examine the possibility of opting into the Schengen Agreement in view of the proposal which will take effect in due course? Will he discuss with Prime Minister Brown the question of opting into the Schengen Agreement and the fact that Britain opted out previously and Ireland had to follow because of the existence of the common travel area? If Great Britain intends to have an electronic border around the British Isles, Scotland, England and Wales, what does that mean in terms of entry to Northern Ireland from Great Britain? If no land border controls between the Republic and the Six Counties involving the inspection of passports are envisaged, does that mean that somebody who gets into Britain illegally by whatever scam can then travel to Northern Ireland and into the Republic unhindered?

The Taoiseach brought 14 eminent people with him — perhaps they were not brought from here but at least 14 turned up — to the match in Paris, a really strong back-up team. If they had gone out and played there might have been a better result than was achieved on the field.

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