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IRELAND
within 28 days to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Where carriers are found
liable on summary conviction, a fine of EUR 3,000 is due for each offence.
1.3 ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROCEDURAL ARRANGEMENTS
Institutions Responsible for Involuntary Return
The power to deport is vested in the Minister for Justice. In May 2000, the Irish government
instated the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
The GNIB is responsible for all Garda operations pertaining to immigration matters in the state.
As such, it coordinates all activities leading to the execution of deportation orders, including the
identification and monitoring of foreign nationals who are the subject of deportation orders; it
directs the operational strategies to combat trafficking in migrants; and the enforcement of
immigration law generally.
The GNIB coordinates all operations from point of entry into Ireland, provides for a nonnational
registration service and the enforcement of the immigration law generally. In addition
to this, the GNIB is responsible for strengthening international liaison on relevant immigration
issues including with Garda liaison officers abroad.
Since September 2001, the Immigration Unit at Dublin Airport has been an important part of the
GNIB. Apart from the Garda officers attached to the GNIB, there are Garda personnel assigned
to Immigration duties at all seaports and airports in the country. Garda personnel also perform
duty at all Garda District Headquarters Stations outside Dublin and on a random basis along the
border with Northern Ireland.
Operational Steps for Involuntary Return
Escorts
The GNIB only considers escorts necessary where deportees are deemed violent. Some carriers,
however, do not accept unescorted removals and impose escort requirements (e.g. five Garda
Síochána escorts for two detainees). Escorts are also necessary where visa problems appear.
Otherwise deportees are not escorted.
In order to ensure the unescorted deportee’s arrival at port of destination, the GNIB has successfully
concluded agreements especially for unescorted removals from hub airports (mainly
London and Amsterdam) with a number of national carriers. (The GNIB prefers to liaise with
individual carriers than with the International Air Transport Association (IATA)). Under these
agreements, deportees are placed on a flight from the Republic of Ireland to the transit point,
following consultation with the Immigration Authorities there, who will ensure the actual
departure.
This procedure has a definite advantage, according to the GNIB, insofar as the airline staff will
usually have a common language with the deportee, and the detainee’s concerns can be
addressed adequately.