Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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109. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the €4 million allocated to protecting the security of the State as outlined in budget 2018; the amount that has been spent; the way in which the money has been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27247/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The European Union Passenger Name Record (PNR) Directive establishes a common legal framework for the processing and transfer of PNR data to assist in the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime. Member States were required to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive by 25 May 2018.

The Directive requires carriers to provide Member States’ authorities with PNR data in respect of flights entering or departing the EU (known as extra-EU flights). The Directive provides that Member States may, on a non-mandatory basis, require carriers to collect PNR data in respect of flights operating within the EU (intra-EU flights).  The Directive requires each Member State to establish a Passenger Information Unit (PIU) which will receive the PNR data from carriers and exchange data and processing results with other Member States and with Europol.  

The PNR Directive has been transposed into Irish law with effect from 25 May by the EU (PNR Data) Regulations 2018. As a result, the Irish PIU has been formally established and the processing of passenger data has commenced. Passenger screening using PNR data is being introduced on a phased basis. Firstly, the non-discretionary aspects of the Directive (i.e., screening extra EU flights) have been transposed by way of the Regulations referred to above.  Secondly, primary legislation will be introduced in due course to provide for screening intra EU flights. 

Up to 31 May 2018, circa €200,000 has been expended in relation to the IPIU, primarily in relation to office equipment, office premises and establishment and configuration of ICT systems.  In addition, a Principal Officer and two Assistant Principals Officers have been assigned to the unit. It is too early at this stage to provide accurate end of year out-turn expenditure figures. However, I can say that I will ensure that the IPIU receives the funding necessary to fulfil its responsibilities under Irish and EU law.