Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is very clear. If somebody presents with false documents or does not have documents, it is a criminal offence. Senator Ruane is right that people have been imprisoned in recent months because of that. There are different time periods, but on release from prison a person can still then apply for asylum. It does not prevent them from applying, but it is a criminal offence to not have documents or to have false documents. A person can apply afterwards. It is absolutely the case that sometimes people do this for reasons, but it is also the case that people have false documents because they were intentionally trying to evade the system and they may be part of something much more sinister. We have to make sure the law is very clear. If you come with false documents or you have no documents, it is a criminal offence. We have to apply that, but it does not then prevent somebody from seeking asylum. Following on from my earlier point, if we feel that they are a risk or a threat, they can be detained while they are applying or going through that process, but that is why we have the fast processing for the border procedure, so that it can be turned around in a much quicker way. If a person is entitled to asylum at the end of the process, he or she will get it much quicker, and if not, they will be asked to leave, if possible, and supported to do so.