An upgraded version of a system that gives an Garda Síochána (AGS) access to real-time police data and intelligence from 30 countries across Europe has gone live.

The European Commission implemented SIS RECAST, an improved version of SIS II, on Tuesday (7 March).

Ireland connected to SIS II on 15 March 2021.

The Schengen Information System (SIS) is the largest and most widely used IT system for public security in Europe.

‘Invaluable tool’

It enables law-enforcement agencies to enter and consult alerts on wanted persons, missing persons, persons who may not have the right to enter or stay in the EU, and objects or vehicles that may have been stolen, misappropriated, or lost.

The enhanced system includes:

• Additional data will be shared on people and objects involved in terrorism-related activities,
• SIS will contain photographs, palm prints, fingerprints, and DNA (for missing persons only) to confirm and verify the identity of people registered in the system,
• Competent authorities will be able to enter preventive alerts in the system to protect certain categories of vulnerable persons (children at risk of abduction, potential victims of terrorism, trafficking in human beings, gender-based violence).

"Ireland’s participation in SIS II has proven to be an invaluable tool for an Garda Síochána both for security and border management domestically, and in assisting with international investigations,” said Minister for Justice Simon Harris.

Membership of the system has led to a big increase in arrests linked to extradition.