Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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428. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of manned entry points at which the Garda National Immigration Bureau operates passport checks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49595/25]

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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429. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of staff engaged with passport or identity checks and points of entry into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49596/25]

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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430. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current personnel strength of the Garda National Immigration Bureau; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49597/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 428, 429 and 430 together.

I can advise the Deputy that the Immigration Act 2004 (Approved Ports) Regulations 2004 designate nine airports and nine ports for people arriving by air and sea into the State, including Dublin Airport, Rosslare Harbour and Dublin Port among others.

The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Frontline immigration duties at other airports and ports of entry are the responsibility of An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána also conduct immigration operations on passengers travelling from Northern Ireland across the land border to prevent abuse of the Common Travel Area.

I can advise the Deputy, as of 22 September 2025, there are 178 BMU members of various grades engaged in frontline immigration functions at Dublin Airport, the staffing levels in this unit are kept under constant review.

The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) is a national Bureau that is responsible for the prevention, detection and investigation of illegal immigration. They are responsible for the enforcement of deportation and removal orders. The Garda Commissioner has advised me that as of the end of July 2025, the total number of Gardaí attached to the GNIB is 94.

Additionally, there are members of Gardaí around the country who undertake immigration control duties at ports, airports and at the land border with Northern Ireland who are not members of GNIB but are assigned from their local districts.

An Garda Síochána have full time Immigration Units established in Dublin Port, Cork City (Cork Airport), Rosslare Europort, Clare/Tipperary (Shannon Airport), and Kerry (Farranfore Airport).

I am advised that other ports of entry such as, Donegal Airport, Tramore Airport, Ireland West Airport, Belview Port, Dunmore East Port do not require full time Immigration Officers permanently based at these locations. However, when the need arises Garda members, who are certified Immigration Officers, are deployed from Garda Stations within these Districts.