Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his contribution, to which I have carefully listened, particularly his comments on the motion, the broader issue and the historical context. I am one of those people who understands where we have come from in the past 100 years but I am equally as interested in the future generation. Any time I speak about these issues, I like to talk about where we are and how we want to make Ireland a better place for the future generations, notwithstanding the fact that every one of our families had a deep involvement in the issues that happened 100 years ago.

As I mentioned in my opening remarks, this measure is essential to ensure continued close law enforcement co-operation between the EU and the UK. It is vital that we meet the highest standards possible when it comes to the investigation and prosecution of crimes and the ongoing transferring of PNR data helps to ensure that. This extension of the special arrangements currently in place in the TCA will allow the continued sharing of PNR data with the UK, which, in the absence of a decision to extend, will expire at the end of this year. The extension will run until the end of 2023.

It is expected that by then that the UK will have finalised - I take the Deputy's word of caution and we will have to wait and see on that point - all technical adjustments necessary to enable its PNR processing systems to delete PNR data in accordance with Article 552(4) of the TCA.

I acknowledge the Deputy's comment on the need to deal with criminal justice matters at an EU level. Organised crime does not stop at our borders and it is important that we have these measures in place right across the EU and with the assistance of the UK.

The Deputy also mentioned the citizens' assembly on drug use and the fact that citizens' rights must be protected in all of these measures as well. I concur with him on that. To a great extent, in the first instance the drugs issue is a health issue, but that can ultimately lead to criminal justice issues. However, at its core, it is a health issue and we must all look at it in that format. The continuation of these special arrangements, which will facilitate ongoing exchange of PNR information with the UK, is key to co-operation between the EU and the UK on law enforcement. I commend this motion to the House.Once again, on behalf of the Minister for Justice, I thank the Deputy for his contribution.

See this speech in context