False passport holders face five years

THOSE found guilty of travelling on false passports could face five years in prison when new legislation is passed later this year.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern yesterday said a series of offences relating to travelling on false documents would be contained in the Passports Bill currently being drafted.

Those offences would carry tough penalties, he said. While he did not specify what the penalties would be, a department source said a five-year prison sanction was being considered.