Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins has welcomed the decision by the Garda Commissioner to replace the two retired members of the force who carried out immigration duties at Ireland West Airport Knock. In his letter to Mr Higgins, the chief superintendent personal assistant to the Garda Commissioner states “in light of the retirement of two members of the Immigration Unit at Ireland West Airport on April 20 and May 8 2009, the Divisional Officer, in consultation with Detective Chief Superintendent Garda National Immigration Bureau and senior management at Ireland West Airport, conducted an extensive examination of resource deployment. The outcome of this process has led the Divisional Officer to advertise two new positions at the Immigration Unit with interviews for same scheduled for mid-November 2009.
“The successful candidates will have a wider immigration remit and will be tasked to investigate immigration matters both within the airport and division when operational needs require.
“On filling the vacancies the operational strength of the Immigration Unit at Ireland West Airport will be maintained at one sergeant and seven gardaí.”
