Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will reconsider joining the EU's Visa Information System in a bid to tackle migration and security challenges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17793/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the Visa Information System (VIS) is a system which allows Schengen Area States to exchange visa data. It consists of a central IT system and of a communication infrastructure that links this central system to national systems. The Schengen Area states apply a common borders code which governs the entry of persons crossing the external EU border into the Schengen states. The Schengen states have a common list of countries whose citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter and VIS supports the operation of those visa arrangements.

For the Deputy's information, I can advise him that the Schengen Area encompasses most EU countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland. At present the EU members Bulgaria and Romania only apply some of the Schengen provisions. The non-EU States Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein also have joined the Schengen Area.

As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland is in a separate Common Travel Area with the UK, the operation of which is not compatible with membership of the Schengen Area Border Code. To become a member of the Schengen Area Border Code would require the introduction of a hard border on the Island of Ireland, and the dissolution of the Common Travel Area with the UK, neither of which could be supported by the Government. As a consequence Ireland does not participate in the Visa Information System. Therefore, I am not willing to reconsider the decision to join the EU's Visa Information System

Protocol 19 to the Treaty on European Union and Treaty on the Functioning of the EUTEU allows Ireland to request to participate in some or all of the Schengen acquis, and Ireland does participate in certain aspects of the acquis for law enforcement purposes, including the Schengen Information System.