More than 2,000 operations to check for passports on the steps of airplanes have been carried out so far this year, according to the Department of Justice.
Under reforms of immigration laws, which are to go to the Cabinet this week, airlines who allow passengers on board without a passport or valid visa will face higher penalties.
The practice of checking for passports on the steps of aircrafts was discontinued in 2020, but resumed last year in an attempt to address the number of asylum seekers arriving in the State without documentation.
Department of Justice figures show that 2,250 doorstep operations have been carried out so far this year, on flights described as posing a risk of irregular migration.
Almost 100 people have been prosecuted since the start of the year for arriving in the State without passports or visas.
The practice whereby officers check documentation while passengers disembark from flights has been criticised by migrant rights groups.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has previously argued that people fleeing persecution may have legitimate reasons for arriving without documents.
However, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said she is ramping up checks at entry level.
Ms McEntee will bring legislation to the Cabinet this week to increase the fines imposed on airlines for allowing passengers on board without proper documentation.
The current fine of €3,000 per passenger would be increased to €5,000.
If passed by the Oireachtas, the laws would see new guidelines drawn up to support airlines with carrying out checks and there would be stronger penalties for those who do not show improvements.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said her party supports the plans to increase fines on airlines that permit passengers on board without a passport or valid visa.
She said that it was important that immigration rules are fair, efficient and enforced.
Asked if it was appropriate to prosecute people who have arrived in Ireland with appropriate documentation, even if they are claiming asylum, she said that "the system has to have within it the capacity to process and make decisions on an individual basis, but it does have to be fully resourced.
"We need a rules based system and when you have rules, the rules have to be transparent, fair and yes they have to be enforced."
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Additional reporting Tommy Meskill
