Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to improve migrant screening at points of entry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8950/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Additional resources have recently been allocated to the Garda National Immigration Bureau which will enhance the enforcement capacity of the Bureau in respect of immigration legislation and operations conducted in furtherance of this role.

Operation 'Sonnet' is an ongoing initiative targeting the land border with Northern Ireland and other strategic locations in Garda border divisions to detect illegal entry to the state by foreign Nationals.

Operation 'Gull' an operation within the Common Travel Area, which is directed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, in co-operation with the UK Border and Immigration Agency and the Department of Social and Family Affairs (DFSA), continues to detect abuse of the Asylum process and Social Welfare systems of both jurisdictions.

In addition, my officials are examining the development of an Irish Border Information System (IBIS) capable of collecting, analysing and storing passenger information on all air and sea travel into and from the State. I expect that a Memorandum containing detailed proposals in this regard will be submitted to Government in the near future.

The Immigration Residents and Protection Bill 2008, currently before the Oireachtas, will assist An Garda Síochána in its enforcement role regarding immigration legislation and the removal of illegal immigrants and failed asylum seekers. The Bill restates many of the existing legislative provisions dealing with border control and, in certain circumstances, updates those provisions to take account of experience gained and advances in technology etc. In particular, the Bill provides a legislative basis for the greater use of biometric information, for identification purposes, at a number of stages in the immigration process including border control at ports of entry. In addition, I have also signalled my intention to bring forward an amendment on Committee Stage to allow for the making of regulations requiring information to be provided by carriers, before departure for the State, in respect of specified intended arrivals.