Michael Ring
Ceist:
487. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice how many airlines have been prosecuted for allowing people in to the country without documentation for the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31196/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra
The State has a duty to protect its borders and following examination, ensure that all arriving passengers are 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. The issue of carrier liability fines is 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.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 487 of 27 June 2023 where you asked: “To ask the Minister for Justice how many airlines have been prosecuted for allowing people in to the country without documentation for the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.”
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand. I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner, who has provided the following information.
The State has a duty to protect its borders and following examination, ensure that all arriving passengers are 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 Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) have responsibility for issuing Carrier Liability notices and warnings and for imposing Carrier Liability Fines on carriers who permit a non-national to travel with their airline or ferry without the necessary entry or transit visa. Carrier Liability Fines can also be imposed where the carrier permits a non-national to travel on a false or look-a-like document.
While there is provision in the legislation to prosecute carriers for non-payment of carrier liability fines, given the almost 100% compliance rate with the fines, no airlines have been prosecuted for allowing people into the country without documentation for the past five years.
