asked the Minister for Justice if he will cause to be prepared and placed in the Library for the information of members of the Oireachtas a statement outlining the machinery at present in existence for keeping under review and controlling non-Irish immigration into the country, together with a summary of the legislative powers existing for the control of such immigration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Non-Irish Immigration.
A statement containing the information requested will be published in the Official Report.
Following is the statement:—
The law relating to immigration is contained in the undermentioned Act and Orders:—
Aliens Act, 1935.
Aliens (Exemption) Order, 1935.
Aliens Order, 1935.
Aliens Act, 1935 (Sections 8 and 9 Appointed Day) Order, 1935.
Aliens (Names Licences) Regulations, 1936.
Immigration officers, appointed under the Aliens Order, 1935, examine all persons coming to this country from places outside this country other than Great Britain and Northern Ireland. These officers have discretion to refuse leave to land to aliens and to impose restrictions on the activities of aliens whom they allow to land. Aliens coming to take up employment are not allowed to land unless they are in possession of employment permits issued by the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
There is no passport barrier between this country and Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and aliens who have been given permission to reside in Great Britain or Northern Ireland are entitled to come here during the period for which permission has been granted to them. The Minister for Justice, however, may require such aliens to leave.
The Minister for Justice has power to vary the conditions on which an alien was allowed to land by an immigration officer, and to add new conditions at any time. He has, further, power to order the deportation of an alien.
Aliens who have resided here for more than three months are required to register with the police. Their activities are kept under review continually and they are not allowed to engage in any trade, profession, or employment without the consent of the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
Citizens, subjects and nationals of the following countries are exempted by the Aliens (Exemption) Order, 1935, from the restrictive provisions of the Aliens Act and Orders:—
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The Dominion of Canada.
The Commonwealth of Australia.
The Dominion of New Zealand.
The Union of South Africa.
Newfoundland.
India.
There is no restriction on the immigration of these persons, but, in regard to engaging in manufacturing industries, they are, of course, subject to the provisions of the Control of Manufactures Acts, 1932-34.