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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 9 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 2

Written Answers. - Immigration Controls.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

188 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Government's position on the introduction of biometric data on visa documents and passports, as represented by him at the recent meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers in Brussels. [22773/03]

There was a general discussion at the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 2 and 3 October 2003 on the introduction of biometric data on immigration documentation, in particular visas and residence permits. This is an important development in the fight against illegal immigration and the abuse of immigration systems by persons seeking to enter the European Union for criminal or terrorist purposes. On 24 September 2003, the European Commission adopted two proposals for Council regulations amending existing Council regulations laying down a uniform format for visas (Regulation (EC)1683/95) and a uniform format for residence permits for third – country nationals (Regulation (EC) 1030/2002). I am currently examining these proposed regulations and I will be bringing proposals to Government in the near future with regard to them.

These proposals are made under articles 62(2)(b)(iii) and 63(3)(a) of the treaty establishing the European Community which are part of Title IV of the treaty. If it is proposed that Ireland should exercise its option under the Fourth Protocol to the Treaty of Amsterdam to participate in these proposals, the prior approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas will be required.

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