Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Dec 1988

Vol. 385 No. 7

Written Answers. - Illegal Aliens.

25.

Mr. Quinn

asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are many people living and working in this country who have technically acquired the status of illegal aliens; if he will establish a period of six months within which all such persons could have their present status regularised in order to provide all such aliens with an amnesty, the consequence of which would be to enable them to obtain Irish residency and the right to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

69.

Mr. Quinn

asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of his repeated calls for the favourable treatment of Irish illegal emigrants in the United States, he will recommend to the Government that by way of good example, it would provide an amnesty to all illegal persons currently living in the Irish Republic; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Collins)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 69 together.

While I am aware that there are a number of aliens living here illegally I am not prepared to give blanket approval for the regularisation of those aliens who have remained in the State without my permission. Cases where the presence of illegal aliens come to notice will continue to be dealt with in the manner detailed in the final paragraph of my answer to Question No. 47 on 15 November, 1988, column 276, volume 384 of the Official Report.

There is no direct link between Irish citizens in the United States and persons other than United States nationals who may be in this country illegally. In the circumstances I cannot see any justification for making the kind of recommendation in question.