Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister to the House. The party to which I am affiliated supports this particular measure, by and large. I have only two questions for the Minister. How does this conform or conflict with our data protection legislation? I realise we are providing this facility to the United States. I would appreciate if the Minister could respond to the query, if necessary later, if he has the time.

I refer to a not totally unrelated matter. What is the position with regard to Asian travellers coming to Ireland and the Schengen Agreement? Why are we not affiliated so that people coming from China, India and others countries can come directly? I understand most European countries are affiliated to the Schengen Agreement but we are not. Perhaps it is about time we examined the matter. It may not be the appropriate time today but it is related to travel matters and is a matter of interest.