Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. I thank the Senators for their support and co-operation in allowing this motion to pass as quickly as it has. The reason we are bringing it before the Houses today is that there is a strict timeframe and it was required to be done within the next few days. The next priority is to get the review up and running. As there is a database involved, there is a technical side to it and that will take some time to put in place, but once it is up and running and effective it will be constantly reviewed, as is the case with any legislation. All member states have agreed to have this supported by their parliaments as quickly as possible in order to opt in.

The UK has opted into the current Prüm system so I am assuming it will opt in to this one. I do not have an indication as to whether or not that will be the case but I can only assume it will continue in that regard. How that will work is not clear but through our engagement, whether in the Department of Justice or any of the other Departments, we have in many instances, although not all, found mechanisms to replicate the type of engagement that existed prior to Brexit. That might be through memorandums of understanding or other systems we have put in place with regard to data sharing and police co-operation. It is very important that this continue as we implement these measures. It is clear that opting in satisfies the public interest. It enhances our co-operation, as many colleagues have outlined, and it helps us fight crime and ensure security for our citizens. What is really clear is that, by opting out, not only would people lose out on these additional advancements and technology but it would stop our current co-operation. That would be detrimental and, as Senator Ward said, would send a very clear and unwelcome signal to criminals that we are not serious about making sure they are brought to justice. I again thank colleagues for their support for this motion.