Garda Commissioner Opens Immigration Office at Dublin Port to Process People Refused Entry
In an effort to address the issue of people refused entry into Ireland, the Garda Commissioner has officially opened a new immigration office at Dublin Port. This facility aims to process individuals who have been denied entry in a safe and efficient manner.
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, stated that individuals who have committed serious crimes and received deportation orders are being assisted by the gardaà and are not simply left to self-deport. She emphasized that the majority of people do voluntarily leave the country, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise.
According to figures from the Department of Justice, only around 7 percent of the more than 4,500 deportation orders issued in the past five years have been carried out by An Garda SÃochána. Additionally, approximately 9.2 percent of failed international protection applicants have left the country on their own accord. Security sources suspect that a significant number of individuals with deportation orders leave without notifying the authorities.
Minister McEntee acknowledged that there are challenges in repatriating individuals to certain countries but stated that, in the majority of cases, people have indeed departed. She also referred to recent legislation introduced in August, which allows for the issuance of deportation orders without the option of voluntary departure for those convicted of serious offenses.
When questioned about potential plans to limit State-provided accommodation to a duration of 90 days for new arrivals from Ukraine, and the corresponding reduction in social welfare rates, Minister McEntee said that the government continues to engage in regular discussions on the matter. However, she assured that support would continue to be provided to those fleeing war-torn regions.
Minister McEntee highlighted that the new immigration office would contribute to enhanced efforts in combatting human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other serious offenses, ultimately leading to stronger and safer communities.
The newly established office, situated in the former Calor Gas office site at Dublin Port, features various facilities including interview rooms, medical facilities for incoming individuals, and a secure detention area for processing detainees.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris mentioned that any passengers denied entry into the country can now be processed in a safe and efficient manner prior to their return. If claiming asylum, individuals can also undergo medical examination and receive necessary treatment.
In recent years, the government has faced criticism for housing foreign nationals refused entry at Irish ports in prisons as opposed to dedicated facilities. This practice has been deemed wholly unacceptable by the Irish Penal Reform Trust, with the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture reporting instances of abuse and bullying towards immigration detainees held in Irish prisons.
Regarding the situation at Dublin Airport, Commissioner Harris stated that while the port facilities would be utilized for detention until individuals’ return flights, the four single-person cells at the airport’s Garda station would be preferable for short-term detention, ensuring a distinction between prisons and facilities more suitable for those who are not suspected or convicted of criminal offenses.
The establishment of the new immigration office at Dublin Port signifies a step forward in the handling and processing of individuals refused entry into Ireland. It is hoped that this development will lead to more efficient procedures and contribute to the overall safety and security of communities.
