Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Immigration Registration Office.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

655 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will deal with the long delays in the immigration registration office at Harcourt Square, Dublin 2; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that foreign nationals are advised to begin queuing from 6.30 a.m; the measures, if any, he is taking to improve this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1321/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

Registration of immigrants is, under the Aliens Order 1946, a matter for the Garda Síochána and, therefore, the arrangements for registration are for the Garda authorities to make.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they consider facilities at the Immigration Registration Office, Harcourt Square to be totally inadequate but that the Garda have not advised persons to begin queueing at 6.30 a.m. A number of measures have been taken to improve the service provided.

I too am concerned about reports that non-nationals attending at the IRO are experiencing inconvenience and my Department is in consultation with the Garda about how the situation might be alleviated possibly through the provision of alternative suitable accommodation.