We are discussing another Protocol 21 opt-in but this time it relates to the Council decision that would allow member states to resume the exchange of vehicle registration data with Britain for the prevention and investigation of criminal offences. It is important to note that the State already participates in automated searching and matching of vehicle registration data with EU member states under the Prüm decisions and, therefore, did so with Britain prior to Brexit. The Prüm decisions is a framework for EU countries to automatically exchange DNA, fingerprints and vehicle registration data and to co-operate in policing, counterterrorism and tackling cross-border crime. Vehicle registration data includes personal information about drivers, owners and operators of vehicles as well as details of the vehicles themselves - for example, make, colour, model, licence plate and chassis numbers. Sinn Féin does not oppose this motion because it relates to the prevention and investigation of serious criminal offences and co-operation in this area to crack down on serious criminality that operates on an international or cross-border basis is clearly important. However, it is important that this House is clear about the safeguards that are required when transferring personal data to Britain which now operates outside of the EU and, therefore, is not subject to the same laws in terms of data. I ask the justice Minister to assure the Oireachtas that robust protections will be in place to ensure that this data is not misused, retained longer than necessary or shared with third parties. Since Britain is now a third party under EU law, the standard of protection has to be equivalent to EU GDPR regulations. It is important that we remember the original purpose of the Prüm framework. It was designed for serious criminal offences and not just for routine enforcement. It is essential that this data is used strictly for the prevention and investigation of serious crimes. We cannot allow these types of data-sharing arrangements to drift by degrees into the type of surveillance I think many people would be rightfully fearful of. Separately and outside of any EU framework, we have to acknowledge the policing challenges that arise in this country as a result of the fact that we are a partitioned nation and that part of our country operates outside of the EU. That affects the ability for the policing of communities and roads policing is one of the areas most affected. I represent a Border constituency. Time and again we have seen the Border used to evade prosecution for road traffic offences. Obviously, in the short term North-South co-operation is essential but the reality is that the solution to that particular issue is the simplest solution of all: it is to get rid of the Border on this island and to work towards the reunification of our country. I make a general point on the opt-ins that fall under the areas of freedom, security and justice. I have made this point on many occasions. Protocol 21 was attached to the Lisbon treaty and it was put in place recognising the concerns of the Irish people in respect of sovereignty and the wish of the Irish people that decisions relating to these matters should be made at a domestic national level where that is possible. However, we have seen a drift particularly with this Government and under this Minister where increasingly Protocol 21 regulations opt-ins are being brought before the Dáil with limited debate. I do not believe there is the consent or even the knowledge of the Irish people in respect of decisions that could have far-reaching consequences. In this case we are talking about something that I think will be broadly supported by everybody in this House but not all cases are as clear-cut as that. I am fearful about the lack of actual debate on and rationale behind some of the decisions that have been made.

Sentiment score: 0.06