Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
774. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will guarantee that Irish data will never be shared with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials (details supplied). [9797/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra775. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding any engagement she has had with her EU counterparts in relation to a proposed data sharing agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9864/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra776. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if her attention has been drawn to concerns related to the proposed data sharing agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9865/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra777. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration her views on whether the proposed data sharing agreement (details supplied) is in compliance with our own data sharing laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9866/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra778. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the proposed data sharing agreement (details supplied) will be discussed at the forthcoming EU Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9867/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 774, 775, 776, 777 and 778 together.
I propose to answer questions 9867/26, 9797/26, 9864/26, 9865/26 and 9866/26 together.
I can advise the Deputy that the United States of America has introduced a new requirement for all countries that have been admitted to or aspire to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program enables citizens of participating countries to travel to the US visa-free for a maximum of 90 days for the purposes of tourism or business. The new requirement entails the conclusion of an “Enhanced Border Security Partnership” (EBSP) with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a condition for admission to, and further participation in, the VWP.
Given the European Union’s exclusive competence on the common visa policy for Member States party to the Schengen Aquis, of which it important to note Ireland is not a party, Council Decision (EU) 2025/2640, which was adopted on 16 December 2025, authorised the opening of negotiations for a framework agreement between the European Union and the United States of America on the reciprocal exchange of information for security screenings and identity verifications relating to border procedures and visa applications.
The objective of this Decision is the establishment of a framework agreement that will set out the legal structure and conditions for the exchange of information between the competent authorities of the EU Member States and of the U.S., based on which the Member States would be empowered to establish bilateral agreements for an exchange of information with the U.S in support of visa waiver arrangements at the level of each individual Member State.
While Ireland is not party to these negotiations, Irish citizens benefit from the US Visa Waiver Programme and the Irish authorities will continue to engage directly with the US authorities to ensure the maintenance of that waiver. Ireland will, in line with our general approach, seek to align with the principles set out in any Framework, while also being cogniscant of any specific issue that may arise in the context of maintaining the integrity and security of the Common Travel Area.
Importantly, the processing of personal data by all Member States, including Ireland, will continue to be governed by General Data Protection Regulation and the Law Enforcement Directive which set out strict conditions for the transfer of personal data to third countries.
