Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the abuse highlighted in a report (details supplied) is no longer taking place; the type of institutions involved; the services which they were to provide; the action taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28059/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Report to which the Deputy refers outlines in a broad sense the threat associated with organised crime engaging in fraudulent activities associated with the visa regime. There are also specific references to the potential for student immigration in the United Kingdom and Ireland to be exploited by organised crime whether through false documentation or the establishment of bogus schools.

The Irish immigration authorities in the course of their day to day operational activities, including the processing of visas, maintain a vigilant watch so as to identify fraudulent practices and documentation. Where activities in a particular sector give rise to a suspicion of irregular activity the matter may be further investigated by the immigration section within my own Department or, depending on the activity, may be referred to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Arising from such investigations a number of actions may be taken by the immigration authorities depending on the extent of the identified irregular activities. Clearly the immigration authorities have to be alert to potential abuse when administering the visa system. Visa applications are frequently rejected on the grounds fraudulent documents or general lack of credibility.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department is currently engaged in a review of the immigration regime for full time non-EEA students. The purpose of the review is two fold. First, there is a need for greater coherence in the way we deal with non-EEA students via a transparent system that is consistent with Irish immigration policy generally. Secondly, it is generally accepted that there is a need for greater regulation in the student area. This will be beneficial both in curbing abuses and in assisting the future development and marketing of the sector on a solid foundation.

The Deputy will appreciate that the policing of this area is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I can however inform the Deputy that a report on the matters referred to in the Report has now been sought from the Garda Commissioner.