Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am very grateful for the opportunity to make some comments on behalf of the Regional Independent Group on the proposals before us. The question is whether Ireland should opt in to facilitate the EU beginning negotiations with three non-EU countries on the exchange of PNR data. We are actively supporting the proposal for a number of reasons. First, we appreciate the transnational nature of organised crime and terrorism. This country has suffered immensely from those two things in recent decades. Anything we can do to prevent recurrence is a good way to go. I also like the emphasis on not just punitive measures, but also preventive measures. As the Minister said, we need to focus on detecting and preventing and where that is not possible, on investigating and prosecuting as well. That is a good start.

Second, as my good colleague to my left mentioned, we have an arrangement with three other countries: Australia, the US and the UK. That system seems to be functioning quite well. We already accept the principle, which is sound. The question is whether we should extend it to three other countries as well. As Deputy Murphy pointed out, the three countries mentioned are very stable advanced democracies with good records in human rights and the rule of law. They are already associated with the Schengen Agreement. We have worked with these countries before and they are like-minded. If I were to pick any three non-EU European countries to work with, it would be those three. It is very reassuring from that perspective.

This is also a mutually beneficial arrangement. We will not just be giving information but receiving it as well. I share Deputy Murphy's concerns that we need to ensure the appropriate data protection arrangements are in place.

The information is quite minor information. It is just name, passport number and dates of travel, which does not infringe too many rights in any shape or form. That type of information can be very useful in trying to identify any unusual patterns of travel. I believe it strikes a fair balance between civil liberties and public safety and is a good way to go. We are under some time pressure as we must be signed up by Saturday.

Both the briefing note and the Minister's opening statement emphasise that it relates to air carriers only. As Ireland is an island nation, I am wondering if it applies to the ferry companies as well. If it does not, should it? That is something we should explore. Not every country in the European Union is an island nation and it may not be relevant to them.

In summary, we are supportive of the measure and I look forward to the rest of the debate.

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