Dozens of civilian staff may be drafted into Dublin Airport to speed up passport control queues, the Minister for Justice said today.
Some passengers have been hit by delays of up to two hours since early January while they wait to have their passports checked by officers from the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
An apparent go-slow protest by gardaí was triggered by a dispute over a meal allowance which has been withdrawn.
Fine Gael said the ongoing delays were damaging business and tourism at the state’s main airport.
But Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern told TDs: “Some 142 gardaí, an increase of 15 in recent times, are now working in the section.”
“I’m looking at all options. Perhaps the 142 full-time gardaí is a resource which could be used elsewhere.
He added: “Civilianisation of the booths with oversight by gardaí could happen quite easily.
“I’m open to all options in the context of my desire have as many gardaí as possible doing normal garda duties such as fighting crime, which is my number one priority.”
Fine Gael justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan said the queues were intolerable for businesspeople and tourists.
“A most serious situation has developed which is damaging business and tourism and the ordinary movement of people into this state.
“Queues of up to two hours at our principal airport are intolerable and cannot continue.”
The minister told the Dáil that every effort is made by immigration officers to exercise their functions as speedily as possible but there may be occasions when delays occur due to congested flight schedules.
“I do accept there has been a detrimental impact, in perception terms at least,” he added.
PA