The legality of the US authorities fingerprinting citizens at Irish airports has been questioned, writes Marie O'Halloran.
Labour Party leader Mr Pat Rabbitte said the legislation allowing for pre-inspection at Irish airports did not deal with fingerprinting on Irish soil by another state.
When he asked if the Tánaiste was satisfied the US had the legislative authority to do such fingerprinting, Ms Harney replied: "To be honest, I do not know if there is authority. I do not have legal expertise in the area."
Since October 1st, citizens of 27 countries, including Ireland and most EU states who are allowed to travel within the US for up to 90 days without a visa, must submit to fingerprinting and photographing. Immigration procedures for Irish passengers going to the US are carried out before departure at Dublin and Shannon.
Mr Rabbitte, who raised the issue on the Order of Business, referred to the Air Navigation and Transport (pre-inspection) Act 1986, which, he said, "sets out the duties that may be performed by a person involved on behalf of, for example the American government, in terms of pre-inspection at airports There is no legislative authority in that Act for the fingerprinting of Irish citizens at Shannon Airport by the American authorities."
When he asked if there were plans to give legislative authority "to another state for the fingerprinting of Irish citizens while in the Irish jurisdiction", Ms Harney replied: "There is no legislation promised."