Robert Troy
Ceist:88. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice when Ireland will sign up to the European Union visa information system; and how many of the 27 Member States have signed up to date. [9416/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 28 February 2024
Ceisteanna (88)
Freagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the Visa Information System (VIS) is a system which allows Schengen Area States to exchange visa data. It consists of a central IT system and of a communication infrastructure that links this central system to national systems. The Schengen Area states apply a common borders code which governs the border control of persons crossing the external EU border into the Schengen states. The Schengen states have a common list of countries whose citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter and VIS supports the operation of those visa arrangements.
For the Deputy's information, I can advise him that the Schengen Area encompasses most EU countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland. Bulgaria and Romania will join the Schengen area as of 31 March 2024. The non-EU States Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein also have joined the Schengen Area.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland is in a separate Common Travel Area with the UK, the operation of which is not compatible with membership of the Schengen Area Border Code. As a consequence Ireland does not participate in the Visa Information System.
Protocol 19 to the Treaty on European Union and Treaty on the Functioning of the EUTEU allows Ireland to request to participate in some or all of the Schengen acquis, and Ireland does participate in certain aspects of the acquis for law enforcement purposes, including the Schengen Information System.