Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 October 2014
101. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who reside here but do not have Irish citizenship, who have been convicted of murder in their state of citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38508/14]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that procedures are provided in the Immigration Act 1999 and under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006 for the removal from the State of persons who are not citizens of Ireland or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, who are known or suspected of engaging in criminal activity. Furthermore, under section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004 an immigration officer may refuse to give permission to enter the State under certain circumstances, including in relation to a previous conviction, if an immigration officer has reason to believe that the persons entry into, or presence, in the State could pose a threat to national security or be contrary to public policy.
In this context criminal record checks take place in appropriate circumstances and An Garda Síochána maintain liaison with other police forces and with Interpol, and relevant intelligence information may be obtained in relation to persons who may have been convicted of serious crimes in other jurisdictions. Statistics in relation to the outcome of such inquiries and the number of instances of the type referred to by the Deputy are not readily available.
