Thomas P. Broughan
Question:182. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the status of the Dublin Protocol and the Schengen Agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3853/16]
View answerThursday, 28 January 2016
Questions (182)
Written answers
I understand the Deputy is referring to Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 which establishes the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States and which is commonly referred to as the Dublin III Regulation.
I consider a well functioning Dublin System to be essential to the efficient and effective functioning of a Common European Asylum System and to addressing the phenomenon of 'asylum shopping' whereby applicants for international protection transit to other, more attractive States rather than remaining in the first safe State that they reach. I look forward to receiving the results of the European Commission's review of the Dublin Regulation in March which will assist us in planning how we wish to move forward in relation to a possible revision of the Dublin Regulation.
In response to the migration crisis and the escalating security situation, there has been an increased focus at European Level in recent months on integrated border management and the reinforcement of Schengen's external borders. This has followed the reintroduction of internal border controls by a number of Schengen Member States facing unprecedented migratory pressures. In December 2015, the European Commission presented their third package of measures since May 2015. This latest package has a clear Schengen focus and includes proposals for a European Border and Coast Guard (building on the existing Schengen border agency FRONTEX) and Systematic Checks at Schengen's External Borders.
It is important to stress that in accordance with Council Decision 2002/192/EC that Ireland does not take part in the border related aspects of Schengen. In the circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on such matters. Ireland is, however, participating in certain police cooperation and information sharing aspects of Schengen and the Government is determined to press ahead with the necessary steps for Ireland to connect with the Schengen Information System (SIS II) and recently announced the allocation of €4 million for this purpose.