Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 February 2014
131. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of deportation orders that were revoked by him in the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; if he will provide information on the number of these that were due to deportation orders being issued to persons already outside the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5912/14]
View answerAll applications for the revocation of a Deportation Order, made in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), are considered on their individual merits. Such applications can be founded on a variety of applicant-specific circumstances. In all instances, the information and documentation submitted in support of the application is considered in great detail before a decision is made to revoke or to affirm the existing Deportation Order.
In relation to the possibility of deportation orders being made in respect of persons who had left the State before such an Order was made, the Deputy will appreciate that the onus would be on such persons to make the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service aware of such a material change in their circumstances so that such information, backed up by documentary evidence, could be factored into the decision making process. Where, however, such information is not disclosed, a decision can only be reached on the basis of the available information.
In relation to the statistical information requested by the Deputy, I am advised that while the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service records each individual decision made to revoke, or to affirm, an existing Deportation Order, the records are not retained in a manner such as would enable me to provide the requested information in respect of the years in question. However, the Deputy can be assured that such decisions are being made on an ongoing basis on foot of applications being made by individual applicants and their legal representatives.
