Deportation Procedures.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004

Thursday, 21 October 2004

Ceisteanna (186)

Joe Costello

Ceist:

186 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps taken to ensure that, in relation to the Irish citizen children of non-national parents liable to deportation, neither he nor his officers breach the terms of section 40 of the Adoption Act 1952 (details supplied); the inquiries that are made so to ensure that the removal of such children out of the State is either done by the children’s parents, guardians or relatives, acting as free agents in the matter, or with their approval, freely given and properly recorded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25958/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

Irish born children who are Irish citizens cannot be deported so the question of their involuntary removal from the State does not arise. Where the non-national parents of such children are being deported there is an expectation that they will voluntarily take their Irish born children with them when returning, an action which does not breach Section 40 of the Adoption Act 1952.