Alan Dillon
Question:75. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice the way the Department is dealing with deportations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7727/23]
View answerThursday, 16 February 2023
Questions (75)
Written answers
The legislative basis for deportation from this State on immigration grounds is provided for in Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 and Section 51 of the International Protection Act 2015.
Deportation and Removal processes are an essential part of any immigration system; it must be acknowledged that those who do not have a legal right to remain in this country must return to their own country, following fair procedure and having gone through all available avenues for appeal.
Deportation orders were not enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic, except in cases where an individual was a threat to national security or whose presence in Ireland would be contrary to the public interest. With the lifting of public health restrictions and a return to more normal travel at the end of July last year these processes recommenced.
When issued with a deportation order, the person concerned is required to remove themselves from the State. Many people comply with this and leave the country.
Where deportations are enforced, at this point in time, they are facilitated by the use of commercial flights. My Department is also currently exploring the use of charter flights and further cooperation with Frontex, the EU Border agency in the area of joint returns.
Deportations also require the cooperation of the receiving states, particularly in the context of verifying the identity of the person and securing the subsequent travel documents in order to facilitate their return. My Department maintains communications with relevant embassies on this matter.