Barry Cowen TD, the Fianna Fáil candidate in the European Elections for the Midlands North West, has welcomed additional resources for the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and increased efforts by Operation Sonnet.
Speaking today, Deputy Cowen said: “I have been calling for increased resources for GNIB to allow them adequately police and perform immigration checks along the border and indeed throughout the country. It is welcome that that has began to happen with Operation Sonnet and checks carried out this week by the GNIB in Dundalk.
“I believe 50 illegal migrants were apprehended and returned to the UK within 72 hours. This is a positive move and a step in the right direction. Fast, firm and fair deportations of illegal migrants resulting from a coordinated effort by GNIB and Department of Justice is exactly what I have been calling for - this is what the public want to see.
“Aidan Minnock, chief of GNIB has said Operation Sonnet is now being deployed weekly and will aim to have 100 members by year’s end. That is not enough. We can see the meaningful impact this unit has had in just one week. We need increased support for GNIB with immediate effect. Year’s end is simply too far away. Illegal immigration is a real issue and one that needs to be tackled now.
“I am calling for daily checks by Operation Sonnet and significant resources for members working from GNIB immediately. Their efforts are clearly successful and must be ramped up further to stem the flow of illegal migrants from the UK,” concluded Deputy Cowen.
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