Ireland and the UK have signed an agreement designed to crack down on the number of illegal immigrants crossing over their borders.
The deal was signed in Dublin by government representatives of both countries.
This initiative is aimed at putting in place standard entry requirements and enhanced electronic border systems; tightening up on the issuing of visas, and greater exchange of information, such as fingerprint biometrics and biographical details.
It is billed as a reinforcement of the commitment by both governments to preserving the Common Travel Area, which came into being in the 1920s to allow for the free movement for nationals of both countries.
In a statement the governments said the deal would prevent abuses of the Common Travel Area arrangement while protecting its benefits to trade and tourism, and will target what are termed ''high-risk'' countries for bogus asylum claims.
It adds that the move could create considerable savings by removing foreign nationals who have no right to stay.
Co-operation in recent months involved checking data provided in 1,700 Irish visa applications, and identified over 200 people applying to come to the Republic who have previously been refused entry to the UK.
The Joint Statement and an accompanying Memorandum of Understanding on visa data exchange was signed by Minister for Justice Alan Shatter.
Minister Shatter said it provides a platform for greater cooperation on immigration matters and opens the way to delivering economic and tourism benefits.
