Written answers

Thursday, 28 January 2021

Department of Justice and Equality

Immigration Policy

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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219. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 342 of 10 December 2020, the progress made to address the unsuitable detention of immigration detainees in prisons and the need for a specifically designed centre for immigration detainees with specific immigration rules in accordance with the Council of Europe anti-torture committee's seventh periodic visit report on Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4965/21]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that detention for immigration reasons only arises when all other possible options have been considered.

In the case of persons refused leave to land to enter the State, arrangements are madeby the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to return them to their point of embarkation at the earliest opportunity, which may take a number of days.

All refusal of leave to land cases in detention are formally reviewed daily to ensure the return of such passengers is progressed as expediently as operationally possible.

As the Deputy is aware, one area highlighted by the Committee for attention is the issue of immigration detention facilities.

At the time of visit of the Committee work was being completed on Block F in Cloverhill prison. It was proposed that, upon completion, Block F could be used to accommodate persons detained for immigration purposes so that they would be separate from other remand prisoners.

The outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic required significant measures within IPS to manage and control infection risk, and it was necessary to re-purpose Block F as an isolation unit for those prisoners who have, or are suspected of having, the virus. It is intended that when the need for infection control arrangements has passed, Block F will revert to its original intended use, subject to the availability of staff and the impact on resources.

Work is also proceeding on the consideration of a longer term sustainable and compliant solution. However, there are complex issues arising and a detailed assessment of the feasibility of the various options will likely be required. Work is ongoing in that regard.

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