Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I was amazed to learn that 2,400 people have been deported from the State and that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform admitted that he had no idea if any of them are back in the country. In addition to this, I read in a newspaper report that 7,000 people are evading deportation orders. One must remember the cost involved. A total of €9 million is spent flying these people home on special flights. It is very worrying. We have all made representations on behalf of people who possibly applied for citizenship. Why are people waiting years to have their applications processed if, at the end of it, they can be deported but it has no effect afterwards? Why are people having their lives put on hold? I met one lady who has been waiting six years to get her application processed. I assume some people are being deported because of criminal records and it is very worrying that they can come back into the country. The Minister has admitted he has no way of checking whether they are back in the country. That is not satisfactory.