Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators for their contributions. On the data protection issues that were raised, Prüm is limited to fingerprints, DNA and vehicle registration data. The Prüm measures set out particular, bespoke requirements in respect of data protection and countries need to demonstrate how these are respected in the national implementing legislation and other arrangements. This will be subject to assessment as part of the evaluation undertaken. In addition, the European Commission has adopted an adequacy decision, including strong safeguards for law enforcement data exchange with the UK, designed to ensure that proper protections are in place for data that any member state shares with the UK for law enforcement purposes. This has been subject to consultation with Parliament and includes a sunset clause of four years.

As I mentioned earlier, this measure is essential to ensure the continued close law enforcement co-operation Ireland shares with the UK. It is vital we meet the highest standards in the investigation and prosecution of crimes, and the ongoing transferring of Prüm data will help to ensure that. This extension allows until 30 June 2022 for the European Commission to complete its evaluation and any further measures will come before the House in advance of that date.

Again, on behalf of the Minister for Justice, I thank all Senators for attending the debate.