EU data share to identify suspects

Anti-terror proposals going through the European Parliament will help police across the EU, including in Ireland, to identify previously “unknown” suspects, according to Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes.

The parliament is examining proposals for the sharing of passenger name record (PNR) data among members states. They have been revised in light of the terror attacks in France and Belgium in January.

While some countries such as Britain have a PNR system in place, Ireland does not have a system whereby gardaí can check airline passenger details for security purposes.