Ireland could get access to Schengen database

JUSTICE Minister Brian Lenihan said he believes a way can be found to allow Ireland access to the EU’s massive database of information on visitors to mainland Europe.

Because Ireland and Britain are not part of the Schengen travel free area within the EU, they cannot access the information that is used to vet applicants or track people staying illegally.

Both countries have challenged this in the European Court of Justice but the initial advocate general’s legal opinion has gone against them and the judgment due out shortly is expected to agree with this.