The carrier liability provisions of the Immigration Act 2003 will be reformed to increase the fines on carriers from the current maximum of €3,000 to €5,000 through the forthcoming Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, which the government intends to enact before the summer recess.

Further measures, including guidelines to assist carriers and consideration of the feasibility of a dynamic fines model which recognises carriers who strongly enforce documentation requirements, will brought forward at a later date.

Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “The legislation which provides the obligations for carriers and the level of fines have been unchanged since 2003. After 21 years in operation, I initiated a review to assess whether it remains appropriate and effective in 2024.

“The review has recommended an increase in the level of penalties, and to provide additional supports to carriers to help them ensure that passengers have the correct documentation.

“This is just one element of the reforms I am introducing to deter irregular migration and maintain the integrity of our immigration system.”

She added: “My department has been working closely with airlines, providing training and support, to ensure people have the proper documentation at the point of embarkation, and thereby reduce the number of people presenting at a port of entry without valid documentation.

“This continued co-operation is key to upholding the integrity of our immigration system.”