Written answers

Wednesday, 9 June 2010

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Deployment

5:00 am

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will detail the legal and operational relationship that his Department has with the Garda National Immigration Bureau; if he has any plans to change or modify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24158/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The legal relationship as between the Minister and Garda Síochána in immigration matters is a detailed one and is set out in the various immigration Acts. The Minister has overall responsibility on behalf of the Government to manage the State's immigration regime. Within that structure certain roles are carried out by Gardaí who are appointed by the Minister as Immigration Officers. These roles include manning immigration desks at the airport, granting immigration permissions, investigation of illegal migration, arrest and detention where necessary and executing Deportation Orders signed by the Minister. The head of the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the District Superintendents are also responsible for the registration of foreign nationals.

The Immigration Residence and Protection Bill 2008 in respect of which I have indicated an intention to publish a replacement shortly, will replace almost all existing immigration legislation and the future legal relationship between the Minister and an Garda Síochána will be set out in that proposed legislation. Since the Bill, like its predecessor, will be very detailed it is inevitable that some changes in operational procedure will be necessary. Any such matters will be progressed during planning for implementation. This process is already underway. I can say however that I have no plans for fundamental operational changes in respect of the relationship between the Department and the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

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