Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 March 2023
163. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide in tabular form and by county the number of checkpoints conducted by An Garda Síochána to ascertain immigration status in each year from 2018 to date; the number of individuals found to be in breach of immigration requirements at these checkpoints; the actions taken in response to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15676/23]
View answerThe 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.
