Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2025
422. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to set out, in respect of Dublin airport where applications for international protection may be made in four scenarios (details supplied). [31530/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraImplementing effective border security arrangements is a priority for me as Minister. The Programme for Government commits to developing a border security strategy to deliver stronger border security, ensuring technology supports border screening and to reviewing the potential of extending pre-clearance mechanisms, such as electronic travel authorisation, for travel from designated third countries. This work is underway.
The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department is responsible for frontline Immigration at Dublin Airport only. Other airports and other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
When a person arrives in Ireland an Immigration Officer will ensure that the individual is legally entitled to enter the State. In performing their duties, an Officer is required to consider all circumstances of the individual at the time of entry. If a person indicates or is identified as being in need of international protection, a member of the BMU will conduct a preliminary interview with the person under Section 13 of the International Protection Act 2015, as amended. The person will then be directed to attend the International Protection Office (IPO) so their application can be fully examined.
At Dublin Airport, fully operational biometric and fingerprinting systems are available and used for all international protection applicants. All Immigration Officers in the BMU of my Department have received training on the use of these systems, which is delivered as part of their initial training programme.
