Oireachtas committee on justice:A proposal from the European Commission for improving police co-operation between EU states has been referred to the Attorney General for consideration, a Dáil committee has heard.
In a presentation yesterday to the joint committee on justice, equality, defence and women's rights, the Department of Justice said it was awaiting the advice of the Attorney General to determine the extent to which the proposal would apply here. Any amendments would then be introduced following Government approval.
As any proposal can only be adopted by unanimity among the EU's member states, Ireland also has an effective veto, the committee was also told.
It is expected that the controversial Garda Pulse system will be linked with a second version of the Schengen Information System, which allows police stations and consular agents from Schengen group member states to access data on specific individuals, vehicles and objects which are lost or stolen. The new version of the system could be in available by 2007.
Earlier, the committee heard that the EU is to spend €7.4 billion over six years on a series of justice and home affairs programmes. Some €5.866 billion will be spent on a framework programme which aims to address solidarity and the management of migration flows.
A further €735 million will be spent on a "security and safeguarding liberties" programme, while €832 million will be allocated to a programme which will address fundamental rights and justice issues within the EU.