A Donegal County Councillor has highlighted what he says are the conflicting reports in the media on the background checks carried out on those seeking international protection in Ireland.
Bundoran councillor Michael McMahon raised the matter at the recent Donegal County Joint Policing Committee meeting.
He asked if the Gardaí are aware of everybody that comes into this country through immigration.
“Is there any way of finding out that everybody is finger-printed and has proper passports or visas?” he added.
“There are conflicting reports out there in the media and conflicting reports from politicians as well.”
The Sinn Féin member said in some places, people have been arriving into accommodation in the middle of the night, without their neighbours having knowledge of what was happening.
“If people move in like this in the middle of the night, then there becomes obvious suspicion and all sorts of rumours go around,” he said.
“So I think we need to clarify that situation.”
His party colleague, Deputy Pearse Doherty said it was his understanding that the International Protection Office (IPO) takes a photograph of every single person that comes into this country seeking international protection. Fingerprints are taken and their details and backgrounds checked.
Chief Superintendent Aidan Glackin, in response to Cllr McMahon’s concerns, said the assessment of international protection applications is not a matter for the Gardaí.
He added that the decision on the location of accommodation centres is a matter for the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS).
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