Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the Chamber to propose this motion on extending the interim period of co-operation between the EU and UK on the exchange of data of an evidential nature. I have no difficulty with the motion. It is very prudent and sensible and I look forward to supporting its passage through the Dáil.

I support it for three reasons primarily. First, we all acknowledge the transnational nature of crime at this time, particularly when it comes to the movement of drugs, weapons and vulnerable people. Unfortunately, while freedom of movement applies to European citizens, it also applies to European criminals. It is very important that responsible, mature nation states like ours have the structures in place to clamp down on this type of illegal activity. The bad guys are talking and co-operating, so it is important that the good guys do the same. Exchanging information, particularly the three metrics of DNA profiling, fingerprint data and vehicle registrations, is very prudent, sensible and proportionate.

The second point I want to raise relates to Brexit. I do not think there is a single Deputy in the House who is in favour of Brexit. We are totally against it but, notwithstanding that, we recognise and respect the sovereign right of the British people to have voted, by a very slim majority, to leave the EU. That was, of course, their prerogative. At the same time, we must have the structures and measures in place to limit disruption and mitigate any difficulties that may be caused downstream. The continued exchange of Prüm data makes perfect sense in that context.

The third reason I am supporting the motion is that it is merely a technical arrangement for continuing an existing practice. It is an existing practice for a reason, namely, that it is really important. To break that continuity of exchange of data from an evidential point of view would be a very dangerous thing to do. That is why it is very important that the motion should go through.

I have just one concern, which was alluded to by a number of other speakers, namely, that we can only extend this arrangement once. We have decided to do so now. It can only be extended for a nine-month period up to 30 June next year. I am reassured by what the Minister of State said in her opening remarks about trying to negotiate a mechanism after 30 June for how this arrangement can continue. Do we have a plan B to fall back on if we cannot negotiate an arrangement with the UK and EU for continuing this exchange after 30 June 2022? I would not like to see the arrangement coming to a close.

I very much look forward to supporting this motion. I have no difficulty with it at all but I would be grateful for the clarification requested.

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