Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
1058. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice the number of times checkpoints were carried out to check the immigration status of people in 2022; the number of persons that were asked for identification under which legislation these checkpoints were carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12637/23]
View answerThe following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
The State has a duty to protect its borders and following examination, ensure that all persons arriving at the borders of the State are entitled to enter the State. This is a fundamental exercise of State sovereignty, which is necessary to protect the security of the State and to prevent illegal immigration. The exercise of powers in this area is at all times subject to the law and to respect for individual rights. The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Other ports of entry, including the land border with Northern Ireland, are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Garda checkpoints are generally multi-functional, with Gardaí dealing with any legislative breaches or criminality that they encounter, including immigration legislation.
An Garda Síochána does not record the number of times persons are determined to be in compliance with the law. For example, no records are kept of enquiries on establishing someone’s identify for immigration purposes if there is no offence disclosed.
The State has a duty to protect its borders and following examination, ensure that all arriving passengers are entitled to enter the State. This is a fundamental exercise of State sovereignty, which is necessary to protect the security of the State and to prevent illegal immigration. The exercise of powers in this area is at all times subject to the law and to respect for individual rights.
The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for front-line immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Other ports of entry, including the land border with Northern Ireland, are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
I have sought the information requested from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
