A call has been made for gardaí to detain and deport “undesirable people” entering the State.

Fianna Fáil Senator Paschal Mooney made the call during a debate on amendments to the Prisons Bill about deportation orders. He called on frances fitzgerald to reassure the House in relation to terrorism that "gardaí under her watch continue to monitor those coming in and out of the State".

Ms Fitzgerald said the State had to be “very rigorous in our monitoring of the situation and anyone who might raise concerns”.

She was speaking during debate on the Prisons Bill, which provides for the closure of St Patrick’s Institution for young offenders. Unrelated amendments were debated, including ending temporary release for criminals being deported.

She acknowledged criticisms by Seanad deputy leader Ivana Bacik and Sinn Féin's Trevor Ó Clochartaigh about using particular Bills to amend other Bills in piecemeal reform.

However, she assured Mr Ó Clochartaigh the temporary release change would not affect existing immigration procedures where a person wished to appeal a deportation order.