Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2018
222. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the EU's Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, ESTA, proposal; if he has discussed it with his UK counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11633/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA proposal to establish a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and amend several impacted EU Regulations was put forward by the European Commission on 16 November 2016. The relevant EU working party has completed its examinations of the proposal and the matter is currently in trilogue negotiations with the Commission, Council and European Parliament.
An exchange of views on this proposal has taken place among Ministers of the EU member States at JHA Council level. It should be noted that the 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 (along with the UK) is not taking part in the adoption of this Regulation and is not bound by it or subject to its application.
