Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
504. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures being taken to strengthen identity verification processes during the international protection screening procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52744/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Protection Act 2026 gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact and came into operation on 12 June 2026, the same day as the Pact measures came into effect.
Under the International Protection Act 2026 persons arriving at ports, airports or at international protection application offices who apply for international protection will be subject to initial security and identity checks and will be registered on the Eurodac system. Applicants will attend a designated Screening Centre where they can lodge an application for international protection.
The new Eurodac Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1358) expands the data collection requirement to individuals aged six and older; it broadens data collection beyond fingerprints to include facial images and travel documents.
Further provision was made in Irish law to give effect to the Eurodac Regulation in Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the 2026 Act.
Although Ireland is not participating in the Screening Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1356), Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the 2026 Act provides for screening in the Irish context with appropriate alignment with the Screening Regulation.
Verification of identity forms part of the screening process and is achieved through examination and verification of travel documents as well as searches on Eurodac and other appropriate national and international databases.
Section 32(2)(b) of the 2026 Act provides for a power for a member of An Garda Siochana, an immigration officer or an officer of the Minister to search an applicant and their bags and belongings with a view to ascertaining whether the applicant is carrying or conveying any documents where it is necessary and duly justified to do so for the purpose of examining an application for international protection, including for the purpose of verifying the identity or nationality of the applicant.
