Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2009
328 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is satisfied that the information technology section of the Immigration Bureau at Dublin Airport has an internet connection to enable it to operate properly and verify data; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21412/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra331 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is satisfied that the information technology section of the Immigration Bureau at all Irish ports and airports have sufficient IT networks and internet connections to enable them to operate properly and verify data; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21415/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 328 and 331 together.
The Immigration Bureau in Irish ports and airports is under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform and the provision of IT operational equipment is a matter for him. I note that identical questions have been tabled to him and would refer the Deputy to those replies when received.
329 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is a document expert employed by the Immigration Bureau of her Department at Dublin Airport to check forgeries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21413/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra332 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is a document expert employed by the Immigration Bureau or her Department at all Irish ports and airport to check forgeries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21416/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 332 together.
The Immigration Bureau in Irish ports and airports is under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform. I note that identical questions have been tabled to him and would refer the Deputy to those replies when received.
330 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is a social welfare inspector or other person from her Department working at Dublin Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21414/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra333 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is a social welfare inspector or other person from her Department working at all Irish ports and airports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21417/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 333 together.
There are currently two Social Welfare Inspectors assigned to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to assist the Department and the Bureau in the investigation of social welfare fraud and breaches of the Immigration Acts, to provide information and intelligence and to promote the benefits of a multi-agency approach to immigration and employment law enforcement. As part of their duties, the Social Welfare Inspectors in the GNIB participate in Operation Gull, a joint control exercise undertaken periodically at Airports and Ports in the Republic, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. The operations involve personnel from the GNIB, and the United Kingdom Immigration Service.
I am satisfied that assigning Social Welfare Inspectors to the GNIB has proved beneficial for both organisations and that Operation Gull is an example of the benefits of inter agency and international co-operation. The operation is ongoing and the Department will continue to support such operations in every possible way.
