Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2006
161 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the powers of the Garda Síochána and others to check for papers of persons who are non-nationals here; the protocols which apply in terms of random stopping of persons; and if care is taken to ensure that these procedures are not intrusive in respect of people who have full entitlement to be here. [3667/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 12 of the Immigration Act 2004 provides for a member of the Garda Síochána and other persons who are immigration officers, to require a non-national to produce, on demand, at any time, a valid passport or equivalent document, with a view to establishing his or her identity. This will most frequently occur when non-nationals are landing in the State, and when such persons are fulfilling their obligations to register as non-nationals, in compliance with section 9 of the Immigration Act 2004.
In any circumstances where such a requirement is made of a non-national, he or she fulfils his or her obligation by producing a valid passport or other equivalent document, issued by or on behalf of an authority recognised by the Government which establishes his or her identity and nationality.
A request made by a member of the Garda Síochána to a non-national to produce such documentation must be made in a manner that complies with the relevant provisions of the Immigration Act 2004.
