Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1133. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to provide details on the staff composition of the arrangements unit and the voluntary return unit within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1694/24]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the Arrangements Unit and Voluntary Returns Unit within my Department is located within the Repatriation Division of Immigration Service Delivery, which is headed by a Principal Officer.
The Arrangements Unit is responsible for the following:
- Processing cases for removal under Regulation 20 (b) the EU Freedom of Movement Regulations.
- Issuing Deportations Orders, Removal Orders and Return Orders.
- Securing travel documents and flights associated with Deportations, transfers under the Dublin 3 Regulations and Return Orders under the inadmissibility process, including liaising with EU Member States and Third Countries
The unit has a current staffing complement of 11 comprised of an Assistant Principal (AP), 1 Higher Executive Officer (HEO), 4 Executive Officers (EOs) and 5 Clerical Officers (COs).
The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) is responsible for carrying out deportations.
A new dedicated Voluntary Returns Unit has been set up currently consisting of an AP, 2 EOs and 2 COs. The Voluntary Returns Unit works with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the UN Migration Agency, to processes cases for assisted voluntary return and reintegration as well as facilitating voluntary returns that do not require the assistance of the IOM. It is also involved in promoting the process with relevant individuals and organisations.
The staffing levels of these Units are kept under review in light of ongoing and emerging needs.
