Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply, which was a far more informative response than his initial reply. My only regret is that the Minister had to be provoked into making such a reply.

I am not sure about privatisation but I suggest the Minister considers civilianisation of the process, where immigration officers need not be fully-fledged gardaí. Perhaps, however, there would be Garda aid or at least a supplementary Garda force. The Minister might consider immigration personnel from the civilian community.

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