Vol. 491 No. 3
440 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the large number of illegal aliens who are being smuggled into Ireland on an organised basis and which appears to have been turned into a highly lucrative business by criminals (details supplied); the action, if any, he proposes to take to prevent this illegal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12250/98]
I share the Deputy's concerns at what does appear to be a well-organised activity and which not only undermines immigration controls but presents a risk to the health of those being transported and to the property abused in the course of transportation.
One of the recommendations of the interdepartmental committee on immigration, asylum and related issues was that trafficking in illegal immigrants be criminalised. The Government accepted this recommendation and work on provisions for inclusion in an illegal immigrants trafficking Bill which will give effect to the recommendation is at an advanced stage in my Department. It is intended that these measures will be introduced as soon as possible.
