Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has reviewed the situation pertaining to a full-time immigration and customs post at Knock International Airport, County Mayo; if, in view of the imminence of weekly transatlantic flights, he will make arrangements to have such facilities provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14910/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Four members of An Garda Síochána are employed on Immigration duties when flights arrive at Ireland West (Knock) Airport, seven days per week. These gardaí are drawn from personnel allocated to Swinford Garda District. When the members are not performing immigration duty they are available for regular policing duties within Swinford District.

In deciding on the number of personnel to be assigned to immigration control duties at ports of entry to the State, and the manner in which they are to be deployed, cognisance is taken of such issues as; throughput of passengers, the frequency of their arrival on particular routes, the jurisdictions from which they travel, and the result of any risk assessment completed with a view to establishing the extent to which illegal immigrants are likely to target a particular port of entry, route, flight or sailing.

Local Garda Management report that they have been informed by the management of Ireland West (Knock) Airport that transatlantic flights from and to the United States of America will commence in May 2007.

Local Garda Management report that its arrangements for the deployment of gardaí in Immigration duties are currently under review in light of the commencement of the transatlantic flights.

The question of a full time customs post is a matter for Customs and Excise Authorities.