Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 241, 242 and 243 together.

Section 2(1) of the Immigration Act 2003 places obligations on carriers to ensure that passengers travelling to the State are in possession of a valid travel document that establishes the person’s identity and nationality, and that they have the appropriate visa if required.

The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) have responsibility for issuing Carrier Liability, notices and warnings and for the imposition of Carrier Liability Fines on carriers who permit a non-national to travel with their airline or ferry without the necessary entry or transit visa.

In 2022, the GNIB issued 958 carrier liability fines. To end November 2023, GNIB issued 918 Career Liability fines. Each fine is €1,500, rising to €3,000 for each offence if it not paid in 28 days. The question of the appropriate level of fines is kept under ongoing review.

The list of airlines that receive fines are not available for operational reasons.

I can advise the Deputy that Section 2(3) of the Immigration Act 2003 states that Immigration Officers may request from carriers a list of all persons on board a particular vehicle and of the details relating to their nationality and identity.

In parallel, and in support of these obligations, Immigration Officials are actively engaging with airport authorities and airlines at a senior level to underscore the importance of passengers possessing correct documentation and to provide support in helping them to reduce the number of passengers boarding flights without the correct documentation.

The Border Management Unit and the GNIB are working closely with airlines on a range of measures to ensure that passengers have such documentation when boarding. Border Management Unit officials are available 24/7 to assist airlines with queries they have in relation to immigration matters.

2023 has seen a reduction of one third in the number of persons arriving at Dublin Airport without the correct documentation.

The amount in receipt is outlined:

*to end November 2023.