Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
169. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on Garda Operation Sonnet; if this operation is still active; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30769/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that Operation Sonnet is an ongoing joint operation by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), with the assistance of other Garda Divisions, undertaken for the purpose of assessing, detecting and deterring unlawful immigration into the State.
This year to date the GNIB have conducted two such operations. The most recent was a joint operation on the 3 October 2016 with the assistance of both Louth Gardaí and DMR Traffic. The operational activities were concentrated in Dundalk, Dublin Airport and Dublin Port. During the course of this operation eighteen (18) detections were made. An operation was also undertaken on the 27 January 2016 at Rosslare Port. During the course of this operation nine (9) detections were made.
This operation is part of the overall response by An Garda Síochána to enforcement of immigration controls and laws.
