New proposals to deter trafficking in illegal immigrants are to be considered by the Cabinet today.
Employers who hire immigrants without proper work permits could also face prison sentences under the measures to be proposed by the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue.
The proposals are to be included in a Bill which is expected to be published in the summer and placed before the Dail in the autumn, a spokesman for the Minister confirmed last night.
The Bill proposes that anyone knowingly concerned in facilitating the illegal entry to the State of immigrants in breach of regulations will face a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and an unlimited fine. Employers who take on persons who should have a work permit but do not have one, will face on conviction a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to £50,000.
The heads of the Bill will be presented by Mr O'Donoghue today. If, as expected, they are approved by the Cabinet they will then go for drafting as a priority measure.
Under current legislation it is an offence for an immigrant to work illegally but not an offence for the employer involved. The proposals are in line with recommendations by an inter-departmental study group.