Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2016
156. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 195 of 16 September 2016, the timeframe for the implementation of the European travel information and authorisation system; the anticipated impact on the non-border provisions of the Schengen acquis states of Ireland and the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36347/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the correspondence her Department has had with the EU migration commissioner, Dimitris Avrampolous, in regard to the impact of the European travel information and authorisation system in view of Brexit with regard to Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36349/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department has re-assessed the impact of the European travel information and authorisation system in view of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36350/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 156, 158 and 159 together.
The European Commission published its proposals for a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) on 16th November, 2016. The system is being introduced in order to ensure a balance between mobility and security concerns for the legal entry into the Schengen area for persons who travel visa free.
The ETIAS will be an automated IT system which facilitates the processing of applications from the persons concerned travelling to the Schengen Area. It will gather information on travellers to allow for advance immigration and security checks. The ETIAS will apply to all visa-exempt third country nationals including airport transit passengers and family members of a Union citizen who do not hold a residence permit. The ETIAS does not apply to EU citizens which, of course, includes Irish nationals. In addition, ETIAS will not apply to recognised refugees or stateless persons. Where applicable, carriers will have to check that their passengers have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation before allowing them to board.
Initial discussion of the proposed Regulation establishing the ETIAS took place at the JHA Council on 18th November, 2016 with the Commission presenting an outline of the proposal. This proposal builds upon the measures in the Schengen acquis that concern the crossing of borders and in which Ireland (and the UK) do not participate. Therefore, Ireland are not taking part in the adoption of this Regulation and are not bound by it or subject to its application.
It is expected that ETIAS will be operational by 2020. In relation to the implications, if any, of this proposal in the context of BREXIT, it would be premature to speculate on this specific issue in advance of the negotiation process that will take place following the UK's formal notification that it intends to leave the EU. The matter will be kept under review in that context.
