asked the Minister for Justice if he has satisfied himself that the present arrangements and operations of the aliens section of his Department is functioning in an effective and efficient manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Operations of Departmental Section.
21.
In response to a number of Dáil Questions by Deputies Quinn and O'Sullivan on 10 November 1987 I indicated what the staffing structure of the aliens section of my Department was at the time and I went on to say that I was satisfied that the operations of the section were both just and efficient within the resource constraints applicable to the public service generally. The staffing has not changed since then. However, one post is due to become vacant in the very near future.
On the same occasion I mentioned that I was having a study carried out of the work procedures of the section with a view to determining the proper staffing structures as well as the most appropriate procedures — including computerisation. That study has been completed and is currently under examination in my Department. I have, however, already given approval to a recommendation in the study for an extension of computerisation of the work of aliens section and I would hope that as a result there will be a general improvement.