Security measures for sailings to the island of Ireland remain under scrutiny following concerns that the island could become part of a route for asylum seekers entering Ireland.
The question was raised by MHK Julie Edge in light of the Steam Packet’s new additional routes into Ireland launching next year.
Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson stated that arrivals are subject to a “targeted and increasingly intelligence led approach to security” involving the Constabulary, customs, and immigration.
The Packet Company also employs private security to search vehicles and passengers, and provides passenger manifest data to law enforcement.
Ms Edge highlighted recent concerns raised by the Irish government about a direct route into Ireland via Belfast. She asked if the minister would speak to Irish counterparts about these concerns.
Mrs Poole-Wilson confirmed ongoing collaboration, noting that the Gardaí is establishing links with the multi-law enforcement hub for Irish Sea traffic.
She told members, “the constabulary do maintain communication to assess threats and mitigation measures”.
The minister added that the Chief Constable and authorities are engaged in a “dynamic, ongoing assessment of threat and risk,” but could not disclose operationally sensitive details.