Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

284. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which his Department is preparing for changes under the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) starting October 2025, particularly regarding border infrastructure, staffing, data protection, and contingency planning to avoid delays; and whether the Government has engaged with UK and port operators (e.g. Rosslare, Dublin) to coordinate transitions. [51832/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for his question. I am aware of the new system being implemented by the EU to further its goals of making border checks easier, faster and more efficient.

As the Deputy is aware, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system that will register non-EU nationals travelling to any of the 29 countries within the Schengen Area for a short stay each time they cross the external borders of a country using this system. In this context, a short stay means up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This system will start operations on 12 October 2025 and will be deployed gradually at the external borders of the countries in the Schengen Area over a 6-month period. Additionally, the EES follows the requirements laid out in the General Data Protection Regulation.

As Ireland is not one of the countries in the Schengen Area, the EES is not a requirement for Ireland. In this context, additional border infrastructure, staffing and contingency planning would not be required in Ireland.

The EES does not apply to travel within the Common Travel Area. The EES does not apply to Irish nationals or non-EU nationals traveling to Ireland. Non-EU nationals traveling from Ireland to the Schengen Area will be registered on the EES of the relevant country, unless they are exempt. A list of exemptions can be found on the European Union’s official website.

I will remain engaged on the implementation of the EES, but do not foresee any areas of concern for Ireland on this matter at present.