Ireland will be part of the Schengen Information System a coordinated European computer store to be used to fight crime.
Ireland is to join a Europe wide computer database containing information on criminals, stolen goods and illegal immigrants. Known as the Schengen Information System, it was set up as part of Europe's common travel area. The Minster for Justice John O'Donoghue says it will cost many millions of Euro to upgrade Ireland's police and customs computer service to Schengen standards.
The Schengen Agreement abolished passport controls on countries inside the European Union. The Schengen Information System was set up linking police stations and customs posts in member countries to a central server in Strasbourg.
The system contains information on serious criminals, stolen goods, and illegal immigrants making it easier for law enforcement agencies to track criminals throughout the EU and for judges to order their arrest and extradition.
While Ireland and Britain stayed out of the Schengen Agreement, they have now decided to enter part of it, the part dealing with policing.
At a meeting of European Justice Ministers in Spain, Ireland's Minister for Justice John O'Donoghue told his colleagues that Ireland would join the Schengen Information system later this month subject to Oireachtas approval.
It does mean that in the future for serious crime there will be no hiding place across Europe.
As Ireland remains outside other aspects of the Schengen Agreement, Irish citizens will still need a passport for European travel.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 17 February 2002. The reporter is Sean Whelan.
