374 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures in place along the Border to screen illegal immigrants entering the State from the Six Counties. [4753/02]

375 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to agencies in the Six Counties ferrying illegal immigrants across the county Louth border; and the measures in place to prevent illegal entry. [4754/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 375 together.

Ireland maintains a common travel area with the UK which is of enormous value and relevance to the island of Ireland and within which there is free movement for Irish and British citizens. Prior to 1997, it was the case that persons including persons who were not Irish or British citizens travelling from the United Kingdom did not encounter immigration controls upon arrival in the State. However the Aliens (Amendment) (No. 3) Order, 1997, altered that position and empowers immigration officers to carry out immigration checks on persons who are not Irish or British citizens arriving from the United Kingdom and to refuse such persons leave to land on the same grounds as apply if they arrive from outside the common travel area.