Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to speak on this motion, which seeks to amend the Ireland-United States preclearance agreement. I agree with much of what has been said by Deputy Clare Daly. We should not carry on with an attitude of "I'm all right, Jack". We need to scrutinise. We need to be ever more scrutinising of what is happening with our so-called international partners in the area of preclearance. Preclearance in our airports has existed in some form or other since 1986. As we know, it was updated in 2008. I acknowledge that talks aimed at updating the 2008 version of the preclearance agreement have been ongoing since 2017.

This motion represents a great deal of work and co-ordination between the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Customs and Border Protection, the US Department of State, our Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and other agencies. My understanding is that from the perspective of the US Customs and Border Protection, this is part of a strategic plan to address continually evolving security threats. We are aware of many of those threats. We have sometimes seen drastic reactions to evolving threats. We have seen what has happened in the Middle East and everything else. We cannot take it on at face value.

I think the Ceann Comhairle knows that I will be as láthair when an eminent speaker comes to this House tomorrow to address the Chamber. I made it quite clear at a meeting of the Business Committee that I will not be in attendance. While I acknowledge the work that is being done to provide support in many areas, I think we are setting a very dangerous precedent by allowing the US Customs and Border Protection to address continually evolving security threats by working with foreign law enforcement and commercial carriers to prevent the boarding of potentially high-risk travellers. It is a very delicate balance to do this while also providing unique facilitation benefits. It has to be assessed carefully and sensitively.

I note that the amended motion allows for the reimbursement by airport authorities of the cost of additional and enhanced preclearance services in Irish airports. The additional costs will have to be paid by those who benefit from the enhanced services. We could be having a costly dinner. We have to be realistic about the charges we can pass on. I would like some assurances that such costs will be measured and appropriate and will not be punitive. As I have noted, the primary purpose of this measure is to increase protection and security, which must be foremost in all our minds at all times.

This motion represents a welcome continuity in preclearance arrangements. That definitely has to be welcomed. As I said, all of these things come with price tags and caveats. Freedom is a hard-fought issue. Security has to be enhanced. Preclearance has been beneficial to our travelling public, both in and out of here and beyond here.

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