Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 446: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to allow for independent oversight of decisions to refuse leave to land at ports of entry into the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35688/11]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 447: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to allow for an independent appeals mechanism for immigration related decisions, including deportation decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35689/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 and 447 together.

The Government's plans for the immigration system are outlined in the Programme for Government which commits to the introduction of comprehensive reforms to the immigration, residence and asylum systems including a statutory immigration appeals mechanism, which will articulate rights and obligations in a transparent manner and which will provide for review of immigration decisions.

I have asked my officials to develop proposals for a statutory immigration appeals mechanism. Work is at an advanced stage and, as I have previously informed the House, I intend to implement the finished proposals by way of amendment to the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2010. The question of those refused leave to land at the port of entry is being examined as part of this process, having regard to the operational practicality of maintaining sensible border controls.