Connex has hired two boats for two services this summer

Senator Wendy Kinnard says she is "very concerned" that the department was not consulted about the new link.

The new ferry link will run from various ports in Normandy to St Helier and Gorey.

Senator Kinnard said the immigration department was already stretched and would have severe difficulty in covering arrivals at another harbour.

I have grave doubts as to whether, even on overtime, we could stretch them any further Senator Wendy Kinnard

In recent months several illegal immigrants have been turned away from St Helier harbour, as they tried to make their way to the UK.

"The immigration officers are very, very overstretched, and indeed they work very long split shifts in the summer," said Senator Kinnard.

"And I have grave doubts as to whether, even on overtime, we could stretch them any further."

She is to ask the finance committee for the money to recruit another officer to make sure the harbours can be patrolled.

Jersey bus operator Connex is to run the link using two fast catamarans.

The company intends to run a daily service during the summer, and weekly during the winter.