VIDEO: EU to 'considerably strengthen' anti-terrorist measures

He said EU nations assigned the EU Commission to look at changes in the Schengen border system to make sure loopholes are closed.

The meeting came after France called on its EU partners to take immediate and decisive action to toughen the bloc's borders and prevent the entry of more extremists.

"We can't take more time. This is urgent," interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve said.

Mr Cazeneuve said that EU interior and justice ministers want a proposal for the Schengen free-travel zone to allow for "the systematic control" of all people entering through the bloc's external borders.

He added that such controls would be "a crucial change" since the external borders of the EU are still considered far too porous to prevent foreign fighters from returning home from Syria and Iraq.

Speaking on conclusion of the meeting, Irish Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald said she had expressed on behalf of Ireland her deepest sympathy to the French Government and to the people of France and offered Ireland’s support for the proposals put forward by France as reflected in the Council Conclusions.

"Today we stand in solidarity with France, the French people and all those who have suffered at the hands of terrorists," said Minister Fitzgerald.

"The savage attacks in Paris last Friday struck at the heart of the values and freedoms espoused by the European Union and are a chilling reminder of the dangers we face from international terrorism.

"This stark reality was again put in sharp focus this morning when the French Interior Minister, Mr Bernard Cazeneuve, informed the meeting of the breaking news he had received of a terrorist attack underway in Mali.

"The first duty of any Government is to protect the safety if its citizens. Ireland supports the measures France has tabled and it is now the collective duty of the Member States to take all reasonable steps necessary to face down this heinous threat and keep the people of Europe safe."

Referring to the critical importance of cooperation between the police and intelligence services in combating terrorism, Minister Fitzgerald said: “Enhanced access for EU police and security services to data and intelligence sharing has a critical role in the fight against terrorism.

"It is now more essential than ever that the Passenger Name Records Directive be agreed urgently. Ireland fully supports this measure and I hope that early agreement with the European Parliament can be secured."

Minister Fitzgerald reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to supporting the comprehensive sharing of information on crime and security matters and signalled that Ireland will now commence the process to participate fully in the Schengen Information System (SIS II).

The Minister said: "I am determined to press ahead with the necessary steps for Ireland’s participation in the Schengen Information System.

" It must be emphasised, however, that while SIS can be a more efficient way of sharing information, An Garda Síochána already makes full use of the range of information sharing means available to them, including Interpol, Europol and especially bi-lateral information exchange.”

In relation to other issues discussed by Ministers, Minister Fitzgerald indicated her support for proposals relating to terrorist financing, stating that disrupting the flow of funds to terrorists is a vital aspect of combating their activities.

The Minister also gave Ireland’s support to EU common standards for the deactivation of firearms and welcomed the Commission’s proposal to develop an Action Plan against illegal trafficking of weapons.

She also stated that the establishment in Europol of the Counter Terrorism Centre is an important development and its role in removing illegal internet content will be particularly important in helping to stem the spread of material that contributes to radicalising people and feeding extremism.