Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

This motion, under Article 29.4.6 of Bunreacht na hÉireann, seeks the approval of the House for Ireland to participate in the adoption of a new agreement between the EU and Australia concerning the collection, storage, use and transfer of passenger name record, PNR, data.

Following a request from the Australian authorities, the European Commission presented a recommendation to the Council in late 2007 to authorise the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the European Union and Australia on the use of PNR data to prevent and combat terrorism and serious transnational crime, including organised crime. The Justice and Home Affairs Council approved the negotiating mandate for an agreement on 28 February last and intensive negotiations then commenced between the EU side, which was led by the Slovenian EU Presidency assisted by the European Commission, and the relevant Australian authorities.

The negotiations only concluded last month and the Justice and Home Affairs Council agreed a general approach in regard to the agreement at its meeting on 5-6 June while awaiting the lifting of parliamentary reservations by member states. I regret that Members have not had as much time to consider this agreement as we all would have wished. When it arose on the Order of Business this morning, the Taoiseach spoke in similar vein. Both the Slovenian Presidency and the Australian Government are keen to conclude the agreement before the summer recess.

The Australian Government, in particular, is very keen to have this agreement signed and put into operation as a matter of urgency. Given the excellent relations which have always existed between Ireland and Australia, the Government, subject to the approval of both the Dáil and Seanad, wishes to be as helpful as possible in this regard. The Slovenian Presidency has shown great interest in the issue. Its six month terms ends on Monday, so approval from us is needed by tomorrow.

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