- Immigration staff unlikely to cover for striking Gardaí
- T1 immigration will be unaffected by strike
The use of civilians at passport control in Dublin airport may be extended to keep the airport open during a series of planned strikes by the Gárda Síochána on four Fridays in November.
Indications are that Terminal 1 staff are unlikely to work at Terminal 2 on the day of the industrial action or deal with passengers from Terminal 2 being redirected through Terminal 1.
Gardaí carry out immigration duty at Terminal 2 but in Terminal 1 civilians working for the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service operate passport control. Gardai also carry out immigration control at Cork, Knock and Shannon.
Plans are ongong for the full civilianisation of passport controls at Dublin Airport but are no means ready for the strike days.
Around 10,500 members of the GRA and a further 2,000 sergeants and inspectors are expected to withdraw labour on November 4, 11, 18 and 25. Leaving around 300 to 400 Superintendents and higher to protect the country. Should the industrial action take place Gárda management is likely to bring in the 789 reservists, 529 probationers and the 450 students in Templemore to help shore up the service.
A spokesperson for Justice Minister and Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald confirmed: “The Department is exploring with AGS An Garda Síochána and Dublin Airport Authority options for dealing with immigration control in the event of the planned Garda action going ahead.”
