Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

At the outset, I commend the family of Ashling Murphy and everyone in the community in County Offaly who have shown such incredible resilience, strength and dignity while dealing with the most horrendous circumstances that any family could ever experience. Ashling's murder shocked the nation. Everyone in this House and throughout our country offers them nothing but our love, support and deepest sympathies.

Regarding the Deputy's question, from a policy perspective the removal from the State of convicted criminals and those who are a danger to public safety is a priority for the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, and for the Government. The removal of individuals is actively managed by the Department of justice in close consultation with An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service. There has been a large increase in the number of removal orders under the freedom of movement directive, from 24 in 2024 to 99 so far this year. Under the 2015 free movement regulation, orders can be made for the removal and exclusion of European Union citizens, or their family members, in certain circumstances. There is a particular threshold, grounds and a bar upon which that is set. That is the basis. I cannot speak about particular people other than to say that is how the directive works.

See this speech in context