Ireland's passport control system is to be updated in the coming years to connect with a European Union database that provides warnings about suspected terrorists, criminals and paedophiles.

At present, Ireland is one of only three European countries not linked to the EU’s Schengen Information System (SIS), even though another 29 countries are part of the system, called SIS II.

This effectively means anybody refused entry into the EU or anyone holding a lost or stolen passport could still get through Ireland’s border controls.

Currently, An Garda Síochána checks against an existing database or relies on Interpol or other agencies to provide it with alerts. The force also provides other countries with information about who or what Ireland is seeking.

While Ireland is not part of the Schengen arrangements on travel and visas, which allows for the abolition of border controls between participating countries, it and the United Kingdom have applied to take part only in the police and criminal judicial co-operation measures.

The UK has linked into the SIS II system and the Government has indicated its intention also to join, but has yet to be added to it.

Initial plan

It was initially planned to introduce the system in Ireland a number of years ago but this was shelved due to spending cutbacks. One source said a tendering process undertaken in 2010 will not have to be repeated.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald is expected to announce the changes in the Dáil later today (Tuesday). It is understood the Minister will say the rollout of the technology will cost €21 million over a number of years, with €4 million provided upfront next year.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) has provided the money to the Department of Justice from new funds, over and above what was announced in Budget 2016 and the recent capital spending plan. Confirmation of the funding was provided by DPER last Friday.

Terrorist attacks

The move comes in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris and amid the refugee crisis in the European Union, which reached its peak in recent months.

Fully implementing the system will take time, which would require the State to select software and hardware to implement in Ireland.

Ms Fitzgerald recently said Irish participation in SIS II, which was implemented elsewhere two years ago, reaffirms the Government's commitment to share comprehensive levels of information on crime and security issues.

"I am determined to press ahead with the necessary steps for Ireland's participation in the Schengen Information System," she said. "It must be emphasised, however, that while SIS can be a more 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 especially bilateral information exchange."