Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 372: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of persons refused leave to land at various entry points; the specific number at each entry point; the reasons leave to land was refused in each case; the ages and nationalities of the persons refused; the countries they were returned to; if persons refused were given access to a translator and legal advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36518/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I regret to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide a response to this Question in the time available. The information sought by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be provided as soon as possible.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 373: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the representations from Non Governmental Organisations or other bodies regarding the independent monitoring of entry points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36519/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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My Department receives representations from time to time from Non Governmental Organisations with regard to various aspects of the immigration system and these have included representations regarding independent appeals at points of entry.

With regard to the question of an 'independent' appeal of an immigration decision at the point of entry it must be remembered that the nature of immigration is that it is ultimately, unless provided otherwise, a matter for the discretion of the Minister for Justice and Law Reform exercising our national sovereignty to decide whether or not a foreign national is permitted to enter the State. In such circumstances, appeal to an independent body would not be appropriate.