Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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195. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the EU ESTA proposal; if she has discussed it with her UK counterpart; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26400/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The European Commission is currently conducting a feasibility study on an EU Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), where visa-exempt travellers would register relevant information regarding their intended journey. The system under consideration would be similar to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) scheme. The final report of the feasibility study is due to be published before the end of 2016.

The proposal will be considered in due course within the EU Justice and Home Affairs framework. It is possible that the proposal will constitute a development of the provisions of the Schengen Acquis in which Ireland (and the United Kingdom) do not take part in its border control provisions in accordance with Council Decision 2002/192/EC.