Michael McGrath
Question:
295. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that have been found to have illegally entered Ireland or that have claimed asylum here having arrived through a certain port (details supplied) in 2018 and to date in 2019; the details of the outcome of the cases concerned; the details of the nationalities concerned; the position in relation to the immigration controls at the port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42234/19]
View answer
As the Deputy is aware, if an application for asylum or subsidiary protection has been made in the State, for confidentiality reasons it is not the practice to comment on such applications.
Members of An Garda Síochána who have been appointed as Immigration Officers in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Act, 2004, fulfil immigration control duties at ports which have been approved for the landing of non-nationals.
Ports which are not approved for entry into the State for the purposes of the Act are monitored by members of An Garda Síochána in the relevant Garda Districts concerned. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) provides backup and expertise to local Garda District personnel in this respect.
I have requested An Garda Síochána to compile the necessary information from the individual districts. I wish to advise the Deputy that it has not been possible in the time available to provide the details requested. I will communicate the information to the Deputy once it is available from An Garda Síochána.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
There are four ferry companies operating from Ringaskiddy Port, two serving Santander in Spain and two serving Roscoff in France. On arrival into Ringaskiddy Port, Immigration Control is conducted by the Divisional Immigration Unit. All passengers and vehicles, in particular trailers and unaccompanied trailers (which are considered high-risk) are checked and searched. It is proven that the majority of clandestine are detected hidden in trailers.
In addition to ferry companies, Cruise Liners will berth at Ringaskiddy Port and the passengers on board are immigrated by members of the Immigration Unit.
In 2018, a total of 14 persons were refused leave to land at Ringaskiddy Port, the details pertaining to these persons are:
- 11 persons were Albanian Nationals,
- Three persons were South African Nationals,
- 13 persons were returned to the port of origin,
- One person claimed International Protection.
In 2019 to date (21st October, 2019), a total of 33 persons were refused leave to land at Ringaskiddy Port, details pertaining to these persons are:
- 33 persons were Albanian Nationals.
- 25 persons were returned to the port of origin.
- Six persons claimed International Protection.
- Two persons (juveniles) were placed in the care of TUSLA.
