Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 239: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of deportation orders signed on Tuesday, 8 March 2011. [13265/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The signing of deportation orders is the culmination of a lengthy process during which time the full details of each application is examined and due consideration given to all aspects of the case, including the legal requirements, by officials of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). This process also includes review of the relevant papers and submissions at more senior levels within INIS before being presented to the Minister for decision.

The number of deportation orders considered by the Minister at any given time is dependent on the volume of cases duly processed by INIS and the availability of the Minister taking into account his other commitments. The working practices of Ministers in this respect obviously vary also with the individual office holder. In some instances the practice has been to consider smaller numbers of cases on a more regular basis whereas for others a larger number can tend to be dealt with on a less frequent basis. Approximately 200 cases were signed by the then Minister on the date referred to by the Deputy.