Following todays vote in the European Parliament, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Ms. Frances Fitzgerald, T.D., welcomes its approval of the proposed EU Passenger Name Records (PNR) Directive. The PNR Directive will establish a European framework for the collection and use of PNR data by law enforcement agencies for the purposes of combatting terrorism and serious crime.
Minister Fitzgerald said “The proposed EU Directive on PNR will be an important measure in the ongoing fight against terrorism and serious crime, and one which Ireland sees as a priority for the Union. The recent terrorist atrocities in Paris and Brussels and the ongoing concern about the threat from foreign fighters emphasise clearly the need for coordinated and targeted action among the Member States of the EU. Enhancing access to relevant information and improving information sharing are essential in this context.”
The Minister added “Ireland supports the proposed PNR Directive and will give effect to it. The importance of a common EU framework for the use of PNR data by police and law enforcement services, with robust data protection provisions, has been consistently advocated by Ireland. I am pleased that this Directive has been approved by the Parliament and I look forward to its adoption by the Council of Justice Ministers in the very near future.”
Also commenting following the European Parliament vote, Minister of State for European Affairs and Data Protection, Dara Murphy TD, said: “Once adopted, the new EU rules on the use of Passenger Name Record data will contain important safeguards for the protection of people’s data. This is to ensure that the information collected and held is handled with care and strictly used only for the specific purposes of preventing, detecting, investigating or prosecuting terrorist offences or serious crime. This measure is about striking the right balance, ensuring that our response to the risks and threats we face is proportionate , while respecting fundamental rights.”
Note for Editors
The proposal for a Directive on the use of PNR data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime will oblige air carriers to transfer the PNR data of passengers on international flights (in and out of the EU) to the Member States of arrival or departure. It will also allow, but not oblige, Member States to collect PNR data concerning selected intra-EU flights. PNR data is information relating to passengers and their travel arrangements which is routinely collected and held by air carriers. Given the importance of protecting fundamental rights, especially privacy rights, the directive sets out robust, bespoke data security, management and protection requirements.
On 4 December 2015 the Council approved the compromise text agreed with the European Parliament on the proposal for a PNR Directive. The Directive has today been voted on by the European Parliament and will now be submitted to the Council for adoption. Once adopted, Member States will have two years to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive.