01/12/2015

Justice Minister Secures €4m For SIS II Participation

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has secured €4 million to allow Ireland to participate in the Schengen Information System (SIS II).

The SIS II is a database used by European countries to maintain information related to border security and law enforcement.

The Minister said she secured the funding in light of the recent terror attacks in Paris.

"I am determined to press ahead with the necessary steps to allow Ireland to participate fully in the Schengen Information System (SIS II) as quickly as possible," she said.

"Ireland has been a strong supporter of Schengen since our application to join its non-border aspects was approved in 2002 but due to the economic situation which began in late 2008 and has prevailed up until very recently, plans to develop the infrastructure to allow us to participate in SIS II had unfortunately to be put on hold."

The Minister added that while SIS provides an efficient way of sharing information, An Garda Síochána already makes full use of the range of information sharing means available to them, including Interpol, Europol and bi-lateral information exchange.

It is understood it will take between 18-24 months to implement SIS II's necessary systems and structures in An Garda Síochána.

(LM)

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