International Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022

Tuesday, 5 July 2022

Ceisteanna (541)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

541. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the details of any analysis carried out by her Department into the increase in the number of Afghan and Syrian citizens who were refused entry to Ireland in each of the years from 2018 to 2021; the number of Afghan and Syrian citizens who have been refused entry to Ireland to date in 2022; the number of Afghan and Syrian citizens who have entered the international protection process in each of the years from 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022 after having been refused entry to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36053/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will appreciate, every State has a duty to protect its borders and to refuse entry to people not entitled to enter the State. This is a fundamental exercise of State sovereignty, which is necessary to protect the security of the State and to prevent illegal immigration. The exercise of powers in this area is at all times subject to the law and to respect for individual rights.

The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

I have sought the information requested from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand. 

It is important to note that where a person indicates or is identified as being in need of international protection, they are admitted to the international protection process. However, they will still be recorded as a refusal of leave to land.