Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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138. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status on the civilianisation of immigration control in Dublin Airport; the progress that has been made for civilianising the other ports of entry including Shannon and Cork airports and Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20259/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The civilianisation of immigration checks at Dublin Airport is part of a wider transformation programme relating to the transfer of certain largely administrative immigration functions from An Garda Síochána to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), including some frontline immigration controls and the registration of non-nationals.

The civilianisation of all frontline immigration checks at Dublin Airport was completed on 2 October 2017. These checks are now undertaken by uniformed civilian staff from INIS. This has released Gardaí previously carrying out these tasks to core policing duties. An Garda Síochána will continue to carry out investigative and detention functions at Dublin Airport and an appropriate number of Gardaí will be retained there for this purpose.

A number of administrative functions that remain with An Garda Síochána at Dublin Airport are due to be transferred in 2018, principally the initial interview of persons seeking international protection presenting at the airport.

In relation to further civilianisation at other ports of entry, any developments in relation to these ports will take into account a number of factors including passenger numbers, frequency of flights or sailings, the potential, if any, for redeployment of Garda resources having regard to the need for a proper balance between civilian and Garda staff to protect our borders.