Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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When an individual presents at a port of entry without proper documentation, e.g. an accepted travel document such as a passport, or without a valid visa for entry if required, they are generally refused leave to land and returned to their country of origin as soon as is practicable. If an individual indicates or is identified as being in need of international protection they are admitted to the international protection process in line with our international human rights and legal obligations.

For those claiming international protection, a preliminary interview is undertaken at Dublin Airport; this involves also the fingerprinting of applicant. The applicant is thereafter referred to International Protection Office for processing.

I can advise the Deputy that Section 2(3) of the Immigration Act 2003 provides 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. It is a matter for each carrier what level of documentation is retained by them.

My Department’s Border Management Unit and the Garda National Immigration Bureau are working closely with airlines on a range of measures to ensure that passengers have appropriate documentation when boarding. Border Management Unit officials are available 24/7 to assist airlines with queries they have in relation to immigration matters. These measures include training of airline ground staff in identification of valid documentation. 2023 has seen a reduction of one third in the number of persons arriving at Dublin Airport without the correct documentation.