Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 February 2017
142. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the border controls and-or passport checks in place at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6016/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with section 6 of the Immigration Act 2004 (as amended) a non-national coming to the State by air or sea may not, without the consent of the Minister for Justice and Equality, land elsewhere than at an approved port. The same section of the Act of 2004 provides that the Minister may prescribe approved ports for this purpose. The current list of prescribed ports is set out in the Immigration Act 2004 (Approved Ports) Regulations 2004 (S.I.No. 57 of 2004). The location referred to by the Deputy is not prescribed as an approved port of entry, therefore, a non-national may not enter the State at that place without the consent of the Minister for Justice and Equality.
It should be noted that a non-national who contravenes the requirements of section 6 of the Act of 2004 shall be deemed a non-national who has been refused a permission to enter or be in the State and shall be guilty of an offence.
In a wider context, An Garda Síochána has a role in respect of the policing of such facilities as may arise in the normal course and maintain close liaison with the Department of Transport in respect of security arrangements at such facilities.
