Written answers
Wednesday, 13 December 2023
Department of Justice and Equality
Immigration Policy
Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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172. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality with respect to 2022 the number of passengers at all ports of entry refused leave to land; the number of passengers returned at all ports of entry; of those who were not returned at the port of entry, the number who applied for international protection; the other legal bases upon which passengers initially refused leave to land subsequently enter the country; and for a breakdown of these numbers, in tabular form. [55631/23]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The State has a duty to protect its borders and following examination, ensure that all arriving passengers are entitled to enter the State. This is a fundamental exercise of State sovereignty, which is necessary to protect the security of the State and to prevent illegal immigration. The exercise of powers in this area is at all times subject to the law and to respect for individual rights.
The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
I have sought the additional information required to respond to the Deputy's query from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
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