Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 745: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government intends to continue to stay outside the Schengen area of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7607/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Schengen convention provides for the abolition of checks at the borders of participating states and for the development of enhanced co-operation on law enforcement matters and judicial co-operation. Ireland has successfully applied to operate the elements of the Schengen arrangements which are not concerned with the abolition of border controls. Ireland has not, however, sought to participate in the border control element of the Schengen arrangements as to do so would be inconsistent with the maintenance of the common travel area between Ireland and the United Kingdom. The common travel area could not continue to function if Ireland were to remove border controls with Schengen states generally if the United Kingdom did not do so.

My Department, in conjunction with other relevant parties, is working on the detailed legislative and technical measures which will be necessary to enable Ireland to fulfil its Schengen requirements. The project will be completed as quickly as possible.