Mick Barry
Ceist:718. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice the number of minors born in Ireland who were deported in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26891/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 September 2020
Ceisteanna (718, 719)
Mick Barry
Ceist:719. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice the number of minors born in Ireland who have been issued with deportation orders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26892/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 718 and 719 together.
The Immigration Service of my Department does not collect the statistical information sought by the Deputy.
When a record of a deportation order is being created, the Immigration Service does not, as a matter of course, record the relevant applicant’s place of birth, as opposed to their country of nationality, which is recorded. The applicant's date of birth is recorded, but not their age or the fact that they are a minor.
As a result, there is no available record of the number of children, whether born in Ireland or otherwise, who are the subject of deportation orders at the present time, or indeed have previously been the subject of such orders.
The issue of whether or not a child was born in the State will be identifiable and can be duly considered when the individual immigration case is being substantively considered at decision-making stage. At that point, any issues around a child’s birth in the State, the degree to which they have integrated in the State etc. is given appropriate consideration before a final decision is arrived at.