219. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a detailed report on Garda Operation C-Point will be provided; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the number of successful convictions obtained to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52949/17] 

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan):  As the Deputy will be aware, the conduct of Garda Operations are a matter for An Garda Síochána, in which I have no direct role.

However, I sought, and have received, the following information from the Garda authorities on Operation C-Port. 

Operation C-Port is a Garda initiative to provide for the effective policing of Dublin Port and its environs. The purpose of the initiative is to ensure a visible Garda presence and to provide a higher degree of security integrity at the biggest multi-level base port in the State. Operation C-Port commenced in September 2016 and comprises a 24/7 Garda presence at entry and exit points to Dublin Port and immigration control checkpoints, in conjunction with targeted initiatives. 

Operation C-Port ensures that relevant legislative and regulatory provisions are observed by persons having business in or passing through Dublin Port and its environs and preventing unlawful entry into the State. This is achieved by providing foot / cycle / mobile patrols and a high visibility Garda and multi-agency enforcement presence at the Port and in its environs. 

Members of An Garda Síochána deployed under Operation C-Port, perform the following duties:  

• a 24-hour visible presence at points of entry to and exit from Dublin Port;
• immigration duties at passenger ferries, cruise-liners, roll-on / roll-off, bulk freight, load-on / load-off vessels landing at Dublin Port; 
• enforcement of the Road Traffic and Road Transport Acts and Regulations, together with relevant bye-laws, focusing on the Dublin Tunnel and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs);  -
• crime prevention, through overt and covert patrols of Dublin Port; and
• enforcement of National Security through border protection duties and the protection of national infrastructure. 

Under Operation C-Port, joint border management initiatives, in conjunction with personnel from the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), regularly take place. The Operation also includes regular joint initiatives conducted with the Revenue Commissioners (Customs and Excise) which target the illegal importation and transportation of drugs and contraband cigarettes. 

I am further informed that since its commencement, Operation C-Port is associated with a total of 1,362 recorded incidents (a separate incident is created for each detection). Each detection is dealt with by way of arrest, summons and / or fixed charge notice where appropriate. Detections related to immigration incidents are dealt with by a person being Refused Leave to Land in this jurisdiction. 

The following table details the incidents recorded as occurring within Dublin Port and its environs and recorded under Operation C-Port initiative since its commencement in September 2016 to date (12 December 2017):