Catherine Connolly
Question:
1445. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the details of ongoing training provided to local Garda National Immigration Bureau officers in relation to changes in immigration law and immigration policy; the details of the body or organisation providing the training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19705/21]
View answer
As the Deputy will appreciate, the training provided to local Garda National Immigration Bureau officers in relation to changes in immigration law and policy is an operational matter for the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. I have sought the information requested from the Garda authorities and will reply to the Deputy directly once I have received it.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 1445 which was for answer on 21 April 2021 where you asked for the details of ongoing training provided to local Garda National Immigration Bureau officers in relation to changes in immigration law and immigration policy; and the details of the body or organisation providing the training.
You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information became available.
As you are aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and the administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibilities regarding recruitment and training of members, and as Minister I have no responsibility in these matters.
I am informed by Garda authorities that the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), in conjunction with the Crime and Operational Training Faculty in the Garda College, have developed a two-week accredited training course for Immigration Officers throughout the organisation including Immigration Officers based at ports and airports. The objective of this training is to support and develop the participant’s expertise in executing their duties as Immigration Officers, and enhance their knowledge of current legislation, procedures and trends pertinent to the area of Immigration. At present, the next date for conducting this training course has not been decided because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am informed that in 2019, GNIB launched a dedicated site on the Garda Síochána Portal providing access, guidance and updates on immigration legislation and procedures, thereby providing all Garda personnel access to develop their knowledge of immigration related legislation, policies and procedures. I am further informed that during the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Legal Section, Garda Headquarters, provides guidance on particular areas of relevant legislation, which is circulated and accessible to all members of the Garda Síochána, which includes appointed Immigration Officers.
You may also wish to note that the members of staff of the Department of Justice serving in the Border Management Unit at Dublin Airport receive in-house training which is provided by experienced Immigration Service and BMU colleagues.
I trust this information is of assistance.
