The Minister for Justice Mr O’Donoghue tonight confirmed Ireland is to sign up to a European policing database to combat serious crime.
The Schengen Information System (SIS) is a computer database linking police and immigration forces. It allows European police forces to track the movement of stolen goods, illegal immigrants and serious criminals throughout Europe.
It was established after Schengen Agreement which provided for free movement and an end to passport controls between EU member-states and Norway.
Under the scheme, Irish police will be able to check if an arrested person is wanted elsewhere in Europe by accessing a database in Strasburg.
Mr O’Donoghue said updating the computer systems of the Garda and customs service to Schengen levels will cost millions of euros.
At a meeting of Justice Ministers in Spain, Mr O’Dounghue said subject to Oireachtas approval, Ireland would begin implementing the changes necessary to join the system within a month.
"It does mean that in the future, for serious crime there will be no hiding place across Europe. We will have access to the information we will be able to deal with people more expeditiously and more effectively," Mr O’Dounghue.