Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1124: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of private airports in operation within the State; and if they are subject to the same monitoring by customs and excise, the Gardaí and immigration authorities as those operated by Aer Rianta. [36048/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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It is understood that the Deputy is referring to aerodromes licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). I am informed by the Department of Transport that there are 15 aerodromes licensed by the IAA for private use in the State. In addition, there are 14 other aerodromes licensed by the IAA for public use including Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.

Section 6 of Immigration Act, 2004 states that a non-national coming by sea or air from outside the State shall not, without the consent of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, land elsewhere than at an approved port. A non-national who lands in the State in contravention of these provisions is deemed to be a non-national who has been refused a permission to land in the State, and is guilty of an offence.

The Immigration Act 2004 (Approved Ports) Regulations, 2004 came into operation on 13 February 2004. The ports specified in the Schedule to these Regulations are prescribed for the purposes of section 6(2), Immigration Act, 2004 and, therefore, are approved for entry into the State.

Members of An Garda Síochána who have been appointed as Immigration Officers in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Act, 2004, fulfil immigration control duties at ports which have been approved for the landing of non-nationals. Airports which are not approved for entry into the State for the purposes of the Act are monitored by members of An Garda Síochána in the relevant Garda Districts concerned. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) provides backup and expertise to local Garda District personnel in this respect.

Provisions under the Air Navigation & Transports Acts, relating to the power of entry by members of An Garda Síochána to aerodromes, may be utilised for the purpose of undertaking such monitoring. If non-nationals are found to have landed in the State in breach of the provisions of section 6 of the Immigration Act, 2004, the circumstances of such incidents are subject to thorough investigation. Monitoring by Customs and Excise is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners for whom the Minister for Finance has responsibility.