Increasingly stringent travel security controls in the US and Europe offer a unique opportunity for Irish e-security companies, according to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Ahern.

With biometrics set to become central to future security technology, Irish players in the field are strongly positioned to win new markets, according to Mr Ahern.

Firms from the Republic are expected to be among those tendering for a multibillion dollar contract to provide technology for the US's new visa, passport and immigrations systems, he said. The EU is expected to follow the US lead, creating further opportunities for the Irish biometric industry.

"Governments must now guarantee that the travel documents we use and rely on as part of our everyday life can be trusted. We now need to guarantee that the person getting on the plane or boarding that train is who they claim to be. This is the new and stark reality," Mr Ahern said.

"Over €170 million will be spent on developing appropriate visa, passport and immigration systems for the European Union. This initiative will examine the development and installation of a Europe-wide large-scale information system for people crossing borders in Europe. Over one billion people move between countries annually," he added.

The Minister was speaking at the introduction of the European Biometrics Forum at MediaLab Europe, Dublin.

The Government has contributed €250,000 towards the project, which includes a research and demonstration centre.