If you are a foreign national, you have the same right as anyone else to contact a solicitor. You also have the right to contact your embassy or consul if you wish. For information on how to contact your embassy or consul, see the ‘Embassies’ section at the end of this pack.

In addition to the powers of detention under the general criminal laws, there are also immigration control laws that allow foreign nationals to be detained. Under the Immigration Act 1999, for example, you can be arrested and detained without a warrant. You can also be detained if a  deportation order has been made against you.

If you are a foreign national or a Garda suspects that you are a foreign national, he or she can ask you to produce your passport or certificate of registration on demand. If you cannot give a satisfactory explanation as to why you cannot supply these documents, you could be detained and found guilty of an offence.

If you are an immigrant, refugee or asylum seeker and you are arrested because of something to do with your status, you can contact one of the support organisations listed at the end of this pack.

Rights News 13 Spring 2010