Since deportations commenced under the Immigration Act, 1999, I have made a total of 867 deportation orders. One hundred and thirty-one persons have been deported, representing 15% of deportation orders made. In addition, a further five persons left the State before the deportation orders could be enforced.
The following is the position in the relation to the remaining cases: 189 persons evaded deportation orders; 167 persons were not at their last known address for the purposes of service; 131 persons have been granted leave to seek judicial review by the courts. Arrangements are being put in place in respect of another 116 persons. Some 94 persons will have to have their returns negotiated with the authorities in their countries of origin. Deportation orders in respect of the remaining 34 persons are being, or have been, revoked, primarily on the advice of the Attorney General.
The travel and escort arrangements put in place in respect of any deportation order depend on the number of persons to be deported to a particular destination, the availability of flights and the requirements of airlines and immigration authorities in other jurisdictions in relation to escorts.