Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the main countries of origin of those refused entry here from January 2005 to end October 2005; the number of persons seeking asylum who were refused entry; the grounds on which they were refused leave to enter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35765/05]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons refused leave to enter at the country's ports of entry from January 2005 to end October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35763/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 107 together.

The grounds on which an immigration officer may refuse leave to land to a person arriving in the State are set out in section 4(3) of the Immigration Act 2004. Some 3,732 persons were refused leave to enter the State at the country's ports of entry from 1 January 2005 to 31 October 2005. The main countries of origin of those refused entry during that period are as follows: Brazil, Nigeria, Romania, China and South Africa. Persons seeking asylum are not refused entry to the State. In accordance with section 9(1) of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, any person making an application for asylum is given leave to enter the State.