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Deportation Orders

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020

Tuesday, 17 November 2020

Questions (655)

Neale Richmond

Question:

655. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice if she has considered the suspension of deportations of those that are working on the frontlines during the Covid-19 crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36263/20]

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Written answers

I fully acknowledge the important contribution that migrants have made to health and social care and other essential services in Ireland during the pandemic and beyond. 

Humanitarian factors, employment records and other elements are considered as part of the permission to remain process. Each case is examined in detail on its individual merits, taking all factors into account. 

My objective is to have decisions on international protection applications and permission to remain considerations made as soon as is possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of protection can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security.

For those found not to be in need of international protection, a detailed consideration of all aspects of their case will have been carried out before a decision is made to grant permission to remain in the State or to make a Deportation Order. This includes a full consideration of their private and family rights in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights as well as consideration of their work situation, among other issues. If a Deportation Order is subsequently made, Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) allows an Order to be amended or revoked by making a request to me as Minister for Justice.

When a person receives a letter informing them of their negative international protection decision and informing them that they no longer have permission to remain in the State, they are required to confirm within 5 days if they will accept the option of voluntary return, for which the Department will provide assistance.  To be clear, the person is not required to remove themselves from the State within 5 days – they are required to indicate an intent to do so. The time taken for relevant voluntary return arrangements to be made will take into account all factors, including Covid-19 restrictions and limitations to travel this has created. For the duration of Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, I have asked my officials to review the issuing of these letters and this process is currently ongoing.

 I encourage people to be as detailed as possible in their representations to me and my Department so that we can make fully informed decisions at the appropriate time.    

While the execution of a Deportation Order is a matter for An Garda Síochána, I can assure the Deputy that my Department take a pragmatic approach to such matters in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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