Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 713: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of times, since June 2002, that persons under the age of 18 years have been deported separately from their parents; the number of families which have been split up by deportations; and the number of children left behind while their parents were deported. [10518/05]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 714: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of deportation orders issued, since June 2002, against children who are residents of the State while their parents are not residents of the State. [10519/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 713 and 714 together.

I am not aware of any minor under the age of 18 years who was deported from the State unaccompanied by either a parent or older guardian. When families are being deported every effort is made to maintain the family unit. However, there have been instances where parents have chosen not to take their children with them when being deported. In such instances, the Garda National Immigration Bureau inform the local area Health Service Executive of the situation. Statistics are not kept with regard to the numbers of minors left behind in the State after their parents are deported.

On the issue of children who are residents of the State being in receipt of deportation orders, I take it the Deputy is referring to Irish-born citizen children. If this is the case, deportation orders cannot, and are not, issued in respect of such children.