Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

As I indicated at committee, we will be supporting the motion. The relations between Europe and the US are at their strongest and relations between Ireland the US have also never been as strong. That relationship brings certain privileges to us, such as pre-access and pre-clearance at Dublin Airport, but with privileges come responsibilities. The responsibilities we are being asked to take on here are not in any way onerous. I agree with the Minister's assertion that a balance is struck between those responsibilities and between people's rights. There are enough provisions in the agreement in terms of access to information and the capacity to correct incorrect information to satisfy that.

The fact this agreement is a result of a review of the 2007 agreement shows this arrangement is constantly being monitored, evaluated and reviewed to ensure the privileges and rights of citizens are being monitored at all stages. When we reflect it is only three weeks since there was another credible attempt to blow up an aeroplane, while people think it is not going to happen to them, it may. We must ensure we have the proper provisions in place to prevent any such catastrophe happening. That is why we are supporting the motion.

See this speech in context