Written answers

Tuesday, 12 April 2005

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Deportation Orders

9:00 pm

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to serious concerns expressed by teacher unions at a number of recent reported cases in which members of the Garda were reported to have entered schools in an attempt to execute deportation orders in respect of children attending such schools; if he intends to ensure that this practice is halted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10767/05]

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 733: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the persons who ordered Garda snatch squads into classrooms to remove non-national children from schools for later deportation; and if this barbaric practice will end immediately. [10712/05]

Photo of Willie PenroseWillie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 772: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to correspondence (details supplied), if he will take steps to ensure that the situation is never repeated again, whereby gardaí enter schools to secure deportations, particularly when there is a self-evident need for sensitivity around the issue and when there are other children involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11010/05]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 733 and 772 together.

I am in receipt of correspondence concerning this matter from a number of sources, including the vice-principal of the school concerned and the joint managerial body of the Association of Management of Catholic Secondary Schools.

I should first point out that Garda Síochána is tasked with the execution of deportation orders. In enforcing these orders, it is a priority, as far as operationally possible, that family units which are the subject of such orders are not broken up in the process. All persons subject to such orders are required to present at Garda stations for the purpose of their removal from the State. It is only where there is a failure to comply with such orders that the Garda Síochána is obliged to take measures to enforce same. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, in the circumstances which gave rise to these questions, members were obliged to call to school properties to enforce deportation orders because of a failure by the parents concerned to comply with a lawful request to present the family unit to the Garda.

A complaint has been made to the Garda Complaints Board in respect of this matter which precludes me for commenting further at this time.

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