Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 374: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the approximate number of illegal immigrants here; and the most common way of accessing this State. [29628/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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By definition, it is not possible to estimate accurately the number and source of illegal immigrants in any jurisdiction. Ireland is no different in this regard as by its very nature illegal immigration is clandestine and covert. Any estimate of the number involved would be conjecture.

In keeping with practice elsewhere, illegal immigrants are likely to have entered the State by legal means in the first instance by the usual routes of airports, ferry ports, or through the land border with Northern Ireland.