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THOSE WHO are shocked by the stringent terms and conditions sought by the United States for continuation of its visa waiver programme with Ireland next year should be aware that this issue has been under prolonged negotiations between the US and other states, as well as with the European Union.

According to US homeland security secretary Michael Chertoff the deal would mean exchanging data, including DNA and fingerprint records and possibly details of individuals' political and religious beliefs and sexual orientations, even if they are not planning to travel to the US. A US-German agreement last March laid down such conditions. Realistically they can best be modified to protect individual rights at EU level.