Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of forged Irish passports seized at ports and airports here in 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46056/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Records on PULSE indicated that there were 214 passports recorded as seized in 2006, with 132 Passports seized in 2007 and to date (10th December, 2008), there have are 194 Passports recorded as seized. The majority of these seizures (53 (25%) in 2006, 36 (27%) in 2007 and 58 (30%) in 2008) are recorded at Dublin Airport and Pearse Street Station. The offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau are located within Pearse Street Garda District, which would account for seizures recorded there.

It is not possible to say whether the Passports seized are Irish or from other jurisdictions. As to determine same would necessitate a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources.