Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 439: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his position on the proposed EU regulation regarding the visa information system; the proposals included in the draft regulation; the timetable for adoption at EU level; the status of the exchange of data between Member States on long term visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7865/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Visa Information System (VIS) is being established as a centralised database of short-term visa applications with the express purpose of countering visa fraud. The VIS will improve the administration of the common visa policy, the consular cooperation and the consultation between central consular authorities in order to prevent threats to internal security and 'visa shopping'. It will also facilitate checks at external border checkpoints and within the territory of the Member States, will assist in the identification and return of illegal immigrants and in the application of the "Dublin II Regulation" (EC) No 343/2003[6]. Exchange of data on other national long-stay visas is also included.

The Regulation was adopted in June 2007 and work is currently underway on the establishment of the procedures and conditions for the exchange of data. Ireland did not take part in the adoption of the VIS Regulation due to our limited participation in the Schengen acquis.