John Dennehy
Question:396 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the seemingly inordinate cost sometimes incurred in enforcing deportation orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17797/03]
Written Answers. - Deportation Orders.
Following is the number of deportation orders effected since the commencement of the Immigration Act 1999 and the associated cost of flights for the deportees and their Garda escorts.
|
Year |
Number of Deportation Orders Effected |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
1999 |
6 |
27,349 |
|
2000 |
187 |
431,455 |
|
2001 |
365 |
1,169,574 |
|
2002 |
521 |
1,816,314 |
|
2003 |
222 (up to 31/05/03) |
628,158 |
The costs above do not include Garda overtime or subsistence payments but include the cost of three charter flights in 2002, one to Algeria and two to Nigeria at a combined cost of €364,495.
I agree that the deportation of illegal immigrants and refused asylum seekers can be costly particularly to far away countries such as Nigeria, China, South Africa and so on. In most cases, removals are carried out using commercial flights which usually involves transit through other European airports as Ireland does not have direct flights to most of the countries of return. In addition, most flights must be booked at short notice very near the date of departure which involves higher costs than if booked well in advance.
It should also be borne in mind that in considering the costs of deportations, the continued presence in the State of persons who are the sub ject of deportation orders has to be taken into account. These costs include social welfare costs, direct provision costs, and detention costs in certain cases. While it is important to keep deportation costs to a minimum, not to remove persons refused permission to remain in the State would call into question the integrity of the entire immigration system. This would leave this country open to further illegal immigration and even more expense to taxpayers. I am determined that this should not happen.