Border checkpoints 'practical measure', says Taoiseach

Taoiseach Simon Harris said he expects rules to be enforced. Picture: Brian Lawless

Taoiseach Simon Harris has described Garda checkpoints to detect people entering the State illegally as a “practical measure” to enforce rules, after 50 people were stopped at the border with Northern Ireland. 

Multiple Garda operations, which took place over the last week, saw 50 individuals returned to either Holyhead or Belfast after they entered the country without valid visas or documents.

According to gardaí, the checks took place over a four-day period from last Monday.

Mr Harris said: “This is a country that knows the value of immigration. 

We are a better country as a result of migration, but we’re also a country that has rules.

“I think people want to see, along with compassion, common sense injected into the migration debate.

“I think what you're seeing is another example of those practical measures that we're taking to enforce the rules that we have in our country around migration.” 

The Taoiseach rejected claims the Government is "dog-whistling" over changes to social welfare for refugees and more immigration checks to appease far-right activists and boost support ahead of the local and European elections.

“No, what the Government is doing is exactly what I said the Government would do.

“It's making sure that we move from an emergency approach to migration to a much more sustainable model," he said.

“There are rules in this country. I expect the rules to be enforced. 

"The Irish people expect me to ensure that the rules are enforced and that’s what you’re seeing happening.” 

The Taoiseach said he was "encouraged" by the reports of cooperation between gardaí and the PSNI on dealing with immigration.

He added that it was important that there is no "abuse" of the common travel area between Ireland and Britain.

The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and the roads policing units came together for the border operation.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána said: “An Garda Síochána conducted 11 Days of Action in quarter 4 of 2023. 

"Up to May 20, 2024, a further ten days of action had taken place, with four additional days of action taking place on the week commencing May 20, 2024. 

"Up to May, 20 2024, including Q4 2023, a total of 107 people were detected entering the State without the requisite visas or identity documents. 

"On the week, commencing May 20, 2024, a further 50 people were detected entering the state without the requisite visas or identity documents and were ‘refused leave to land’ (RLTL).” 

The spokesperson said that checks can be spontaneous or pre-planned depending on the circumstances.

“An Garda Síochána carries out immigration checks along the border on a regular basis to detect breaches of immigration legislation and detect abuses of the Common Travel Area (CTA),” the statement read. 

“These checks are led and coordinated by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). 

"An Garda Síochána does not provide details or announce checks in advance or the specific details of operational matters.” 

The statement reiterated their commitment to tackling the issue.

“Our immigration officers work in close collaboration with personnel operating buses and trains in the area. 

"A human rights based approach is adopted in relation to every individual stopped. 

"Immigration officers will clearly identify themselves to all passengers on buses or trains. 

"All Garda members have completed training in the Garda Code of Ethics and the Garda Decision Making Model. 

"All checks carried out are lawful, objective and respectful.” 

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said a number of types of operations can take place.

“I am informed that, in addition to these overt operations, there are also regular covert Operation Sonnet deployments, which provide the intelligence to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the operation."