Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the success of the immigration Border control unit in Dundalk, County Louth incurbing the flow of illegal immigration into the country; and if extra resources will be provided to deal with this growing problem. [2635/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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In October 2004 the Commissioner approved the establishment of an immigration unit, consisting of one sergeant and six gardaí, in Louth-Meath division to target immigration issues relating to the Border with Northern Ireland, paying particular attention to the main Dublin-Belfast routes.

The unit has proved successful and in 2005 refused 854 non-nationals leave to land having detected them attempting to enter the State illegally through Northern Ireland. Local management continues to monitor the effectiveness of the unit and personnel levels are regularly reviewed.