Human rights groups want fines dropped

Human rights activists have called on the Government to abandon fines proposed in the 2002 Immigration Bill.

The legislation proposes to fine airlines and ferry companies which transport people without proper documentation into Ireland.

ICTU, Amnesty International and other human rights groups have argued that the move will force carriers to act as immigration officials.

Noeleen Blackwell, a human rights lawyer, added that it could also breach international treaties.

"[The Government] is bound by the Declaration of Human Rights, which says everyone has the right to seek asylum," she said.