Deputy McGrath Calls For Stronger Border Controls

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Ireland has reached a crisis point trying to accommodate migrants with an average of 100 undocumented arrivals in Dublin Airport every week, according to Independent TD Mattie McGrath.

In response to a parliamentary question raised by Deputy McGrath, it was revealed that 3,254 people arrived in Ireland without documentation in the first eight months of this year.

This figure relates to people who present full documentation at the point of departure and refuse to show the same necessary documentation at Dublin Airport.

Deputy McGrath queried if sufficient resources are in place at Dublin airport and says Ireland needs to “get serious about those arriving here without documentation” and possibly making what he called “bogus claims for asylum” particularly when our services are under such strain.”

An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar accepted that Ireland does have a problem with people entering the country illegally and said this has been ongoing for quite some time.

Mr Varadkar said there was very little Ireland could do about the situation but says the airport authorities are increasing checks and the government was increasing engagement with the airlines not to allow people to board unless they have the right documents and that airlines should be required to have to take them back if their documentation is not sufficient.