Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
834. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he can account for the significant and growing gap between the number of international protection deportation orders signed and the number actually executed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30146/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a central priority for me that Ireland’s immigration system is robust and rules based. The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure that there is confidence in the application of our legislation in this area.
If a person does not remove themselves from the State following the issuance of a deportation order, they will be removed, and my Department has taken action to significantly improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals.
In 2024, a total of 1,122 people departed from the State under various mechanisms (i.e. enforced deportation, voluntary return etc.) In 2025, a total of 2,111 people had their departure confirmed through these pathways, an increase of 88% compared to 2024. Up to 31 March 2026, 513 people departed from the State through these pathways.
In 2025, six charter flight operations removed 205 people from the State. Of these, five operations to non-EU destinations removed 182 people who were subject to deportation orders and one operation removed 23 EU citizens on grounds of criminality. In 2026, two charter flights have removed 96 people from the State.
Deportations are costly and complex to enforce. It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. A person can only avail of voluntary return before a deportation order is issued and I have increased resources into this programme to enable individuals who wish to return before a deportation order is issued to them.
Any person who is the subject to a deportation order is ineligible for social assistance payments and a range of other public services such as accommodation. In relation to supports received by people who are subject to a deportation order, I can advise the Deputy that when a person is issued with a deportation order my Department notifies the Department of Social Protection.
It is the case that a significant number of individuals who were subject to Deportation orders have left the State without notifying the relevant authorities; however, as there are no routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to definitely provide the number of people who have or have not complied with an order. I am, however, informed that the Garda National Immigration Bureau has reviewed a large sample of cases of people subject to deportation orders; their inquiries suggest a very significant number of these individuals have left the State.
The enforcement of deportation orders is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), and my Department works closely with the GNIB to progress arrangements for the removal of people subject to deportation orders. The resources required for the effective operation of the end-to-end International Protection system, including removals, is kept under review and additional resources will be deployed within the system as is appropriate and necessary.
The International Protection Act was passed into law last week and gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. My Department continues to focus preparing for these new rules to take effect on 12 June 2026. The Pact will provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be achieved through convergence in asylum practices across the EU including standardised processing times for decisions. Faster processing will mean that applicants spend less time in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation, and this will significantly reduce the cost of the asylum system to the State.
