Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Department of Justice and Equality

Immigration Policy

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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998. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide details of her Department’s engagements in 2024 on the issue of reducing the numbers of persons entering Ireland illegally with the European Border Management Agency FRONTEX; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1188/25]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that while Ireland is not a member of Frontex, Ireland participates in training with Frontex and engages with Frontex to share trends and assess the movement of migrants into the EU. While Ireland is not party to this aspect of the Schengen acquis, as a Member State of the European Union (EU), Ireland is invited to participate at the Frontex Management Board in a non-voting capacity and attended all Management Board meetings in 2024. An Garda Síochána is the primary point of contact for Frontex.

Ireland is not involved directly in Frontex land/sea operations, as these activities are carried out by the Frontex Standing Corps in respect of the Schengen external border. Ireland can seek to participate in joint return operations co-ordinated by Frontex on behalf of EU Member States and intends to explore possibilities in this area in 2025. Ireland provides no core funding to Frontex and covers its own cost for its participation in Frontex activities.

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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999. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau following the discovery of such persons in transport vehicles of any description at Irish harbours and ports of entry from 2018 to date in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1189/25]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen 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 Garda National Immigration Bureau has responsibility for airports and other ports of entry in the State with the exception of Dublin Airport, where the Border Management Unit of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties

I have sought the information requested from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly should the information be available.

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