Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Immigration Controls.

Paul McGrath

Question:

40 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many EU nationals, resident and working in Ireland for years, have recently been visited by gardaí seeking personal details regarding education, bank accounts, family and so on; the reason for the collection of this data; his views on whether these questionnaires are intrusive; if his Department has adapted a new attitude to EU nationals resident in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20967/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am not aware of any unusual circumstances as indicated by the Deputy and my Department has not introduced any new measures in relation to EU/EEA nationals resident in the State. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that, in the course of their duties in connection with applications for residence permits by EU/EEA nationals, it is often necessary to confirm certain routine facts to enable a permit to issue. Such routine inquiries have been made for many years and, having regard to their purpose, I do not think they could be regarded as intrusive.