Issue Date: 8 March 2023
Implementation of SIS RECAST – 7th March 2023
Yesterday 7th March, 2023, the European Commission implemented a ‘SIS RECAST’ (upgrade of SIS II) in a simultaneous go-live launch with participating immigration, police, customs and judicial authorities in the EU and the Schengen associated countries.
The Schengen Information System (SIS) is the largest and most widely used IT system for public security in Europe and has received new functionalities in SIS RECAST.
The SIS has been hugely successful and 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/vehicles that may have been stolen, misappropriated, or lost.
Ireland connected to SIS II on 15th March 2021. Having access to the SIS database from across 26 EU and 4 associated Schengen countries (Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland) gives An Garda Síochána access to real time police data and intelligence.
Yesterday 7th March, 2023, the SIS has been renewed, (SIS RECAST - upgrade of SIS II) with new alerts, upgraded data and enhanced functionalities:
• Sharing of information: Additional data will be shared on people and objects involved in terrorism-related activities, allowing national authorities to better pursue and prevent serious crimes and terrorism.
• Biometrics: 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.
• Vulnerable persons: Competent authorities will have the possibility of entering 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).
Welcoming the SIS RECAST, Minitser for Justice, Simon Harris TD said “Crime does not respect borders, and new technologies, along with strong cooperation with our friends in Europe and beyond, is crucial in ensuring that we build stronger, safer communities and that people are safe and feel across Ireland.
“That’s why I particularly welcome today’s announcement of the upgrade to the Schengen Information System.
“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.
“Gardaí must have access to the most up-to-date technology and data in order to continue to provide the world class policing service we have come to expect. I am confident that the enhanced SIS RECAST will prove invaluable for An Garda Síochána, particularly in protecting vulnerable people including victims of trafficking.”
Speaking about the SIS RECAST Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn, Garda National Crime & Security Intelligence Service said “An Garda Síochána remains committed to the SIS and to working with international partners in keeping people safe. Since joining the SIS in March 2021, nearly two years ago, An Garda Síochána has achieved many investigative successes, some of which are detailed below, both in terms of our own domestic investigations and assisting in international investigations.”
Assistant Commissioner further highlighted that “As Criminal Organisations and activity become more global, this coordination with other our partners, through the SIS, helps ensure there is no safe hiding place for persons who are intent on criminality and causing harm to our people and society”.
Since joining the SIS, and up to date as of 01/03/2023 the following Irish Alerts are active on the SIS
During 2022 the following activity relevant to Ireland took place on the SIS:
Examples of the activity on the SIS are highlighted in the following Case Studies and others have been published on An Garda Síochána press releases.
Case Studies:
Article 26 Alert (EAW): Hit on Polish Alert February 2023
Four Polish fugitives living in Ireland were sent back to Poland in February 2023 to serve prison sentences after checks via SIS. All four people were identified as a result of ‘Hits’ on the EU criminal Schengen database system
Article 26 Alert (EAW): created by Germany on 15th December 2022
Romanian male wanted by Germany for an armed robbery carried out in 2016.
Subject was detected and arrested by authorities at Dublin Airport on the 5th February 2023.
Article 26 Alert (EAW): created by Ireland on 21 November 2022
An Albanian National wanted in relation to possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply since 2015. Male arrested at Dusseldorf airport while attempting to board flight to Barcelona. Subject arrested 78 days after the SIS Alert was created.
Article 26 Alert (EAW): created by Ireland on 6th December 2022
A Norwegian male, committed fraud offences in Ireland in 2020. He had left the country and was believed to be in Holland. Subject arrested in Spain on the 14th January 2023
Article 26 Alert (EAW): created by France on 1st October 2022
A male suspected of having killed his father fled to Ireland after the incident. He was described as very dangerous and violent by those close to him. An operation was immediately put in place to locate and arrest the subject. On 2nd October 2022, a male matching the description of subject was sighted and was arrested.Subject was surrendered to France on 2nd November 2022.
Article 26 Alert (EAW): created by Ireland on 17th May 2022
A Moroccan female took her child out of Ireland in March 2022 in breach of an Irish Court order.On 9th February 2023 the Mother attempted to board a flight in Brussels airport to Tangiers, Morocco with the child. The Subject was arrested and the child was taken into temporary care of Belgian child protection agency.
Article 26Alert (EAW): created by Ireland on 10th May 2021
A Polish male waswanted in Ireland for Drugs Offences – Possession of drugs worth €45,000 in Tralee in 2010.Subject arrested in Poland on 14th February 2023.
Further details on SIS and other Irish success stories can be viewed on Schengen Information System (europa.eu)
