Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 5

Written Answers. - Deportation Orders.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

408 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason, on 10 June 2003, the State arrested, detained at Dublin Airport and Mountjoy Jail, and deported the next day a person (details supplied) who was travelling with a valid passport and a valid business visa issued by the Irish Embassy in Egypt, with adequate funds, and with a letter from their employer in Jordan stating their business here; his views on whether these actions were proper and just; and if he intends to examine the matter. [16829/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

Under the provisions of the Aliens Order 1946, an immigration officer may refuse entry to the State to a non-EEA national if he is satisfied that the person intends to travel to the UK and that he would not qualify for admission to the UK if he arrived there from a place other than this State. While the person in question claimed to be coming to Ireland for business purposes, following inquiries by the immigration officer it was established that he was expected in the UK to attend the meeting concerned. The immigration officer's decision followed contact with persons both here and in England. The individual was refused entry and removed from the State.