Vol. 453 No. 6
98 Mr. E. Walsh asked the Minister for Justice, in view of the fact that the Garda authorities have not prosecuted anyone for harbouring or assisting illegal immigrants, if she will state that no such illegal immigrants are living or working in Ireland; the action, if any, being taken by the Garda regarding this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9712/95]
It is not the case that there are no illegal immigrants living or working in Ireland. However, it is the nature of the situation that illegal immigrants will do what they can to conceal their presence from the authorities.
The gardaí do prosecute people on a regular basis for breaches of the aliens regulations. The particular offence to which the Deputy refers, harbouring and assisting illegal immigrants, is not specifically provided for in statute although there are obligations on owners of premises and householders with whom immigrants are lodging or living to ensure that the individual immigrant concerned complies with the requirements of registration.
The facilitation of illegal immigration is a cause of concern throughout the EU and many member states have specific legislative sanctions in place to deal with the issue.
As I have already stated in reply to previous questions on the matter (P.Q. No. 6 and 29 of 14 March, 1995) the whole issue of policy in this area is under review at present.
