Gardaí attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) have conducted two separate, multi-agency search operations in conjunction with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Department of Social Protection.

The first search, on Thursday, 30 January, was at the warehouse of an Asian food products supplier and a number of attached offices, in a business park in West Dublin.

Following investigations, enquiries and intelligence gathered by GNIB, it was established that this company was suspected of employing persons in contravention of immigration and employment permits legislation.

Deportation orders 

A number of non-nationals subject to deportation orders were employed at this business.

During the search and inspection, six people were arrested. Three people were arrested on foot of live deportation orders.

The remaining three people were arrested for having no legal status to be in the State and subsequently appeared before Blanchardstown District Court on Friday 31 January, where they were remanded until 13 March.

During the same search, the Department of Social Protection officers suspended a number of payments, including disability allowance, rent supplement and child benefit, with estimated potential savings of €100,000 to the State.

Search

The second search operation, on Tuesday, 11 February, saw GNIB officers, accompanied by Work Relations Commission and Department of Social Protection officials, search the offices and warehouse of a meat processing company in Co Meath.

This company was employing people in contravention of the immigration and employment permits legislation and a total of 19 individuals were found to be in contravention of either immigration or permit legislation.

Four people were arrested and charged under immigration legislation; they were subsequently bailed to appear at Swords courts on Wednesday this week, 19 February, and Balbriggan Court on 27 February. A fifth person claimed asylum.

Immigration status 

And an additional 11 people were found not to have any current immigration status in the State and will be subsequently removed in accordance with legislation.

A further three non-EU nationals were interviewed due to possible discrepancies in relation to work permits.

The Work Relations Commission are continuing to investigate to ensure compliance with employment legislation.