Vol. 513 No. 1
674 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether non-white residents should be subjected to random identity checks on the streets of towns and cities on the basis of the colour of their skin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1650/00]
Article 15 of the Aliens Order 1946, which under section 2 of the Immigration Act, 1999, has statutory effect as if it were an Act of the Oireachtas, provides that, subject to exceptions, an alien shall produce on demand to a member of the Garda Síochána, unless he gives a satisfactory explanation of the circumstances which prevent him from so doing, either his registration certificate if he is registered under the order or a valid passport or other document satisfactorily establishing his nationality and identity.
In carrying out their duties members of the Garda Síochána makes no distinction on the basis of colour of skin and I would not countenance the making of any such distinction.
