Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
891. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of incorrect stamps have been issued at border control in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11744/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra892. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures his Department is taking to streamline the Border management unit with the immigration service, in an effort to prevent mistakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11745/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 891 and 892 together.
The Border Management Unit (BMU) is part of the Immigration Service Delivery of my Department, and is responsible for front-line Immigration at Dublin Airport only. Other airports and other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Entry decisions, including the endorsement of passports and the granting of permission to land under a particular immigration stamp, are made by Immigration Officers on the basis of the information available to them at the time of arrival and in accordance with current immigration legislation.
Neither the BMU nor the Registration Office tracks subsequent amendments or clarifications to permissions. Consequently, the specific number of incorrect stamps issued at border control in the past five years is not available.
Where an issue with an endorsement is identified, arrangements are made to regularise the person’s immigration permission as quickly and efficiently as possible. This may include contacting BMU to obtain the correct permission. Each case is considered on its individual circumstances. The BMU aims to ensure consistency, fairness and transparency in its response to customer service feedback and will facilitate improvements in the provision of service where this is deemed to be necessary. Further information regarding the Border Management Unit’s customer feedback procedure can be found on the Immigration Service Delivery website at: [www.irishimmigration.ie/at-the-border/bmu-customer-service-feedback/]
The Department continuously reviews procedures to minimise errors and ensure consistency of decision-making. Measures in place include ongoing training and refresher guidance for Immigration Officers, and continued communication between BMU and the wider Immigration Service Delivery. These steps are intended to streamline border management operations and reduce the likelihood of incorrect endorsements occurring.
