Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the Deputy has clarified that their question concerns removals effected under Section 20(b) of the European Communities Freedom of Movement of Persons Regulations 2015 which involves the removal of EU Citizens to other EU Member States. I can advise that there have been 21 such removals effected during 2023.

The associated flight costs are €29,989.92. This includes the flight costs of escorts from the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Subsistence or accommodation costs for members of the GNIB are met under standard travel and subsistence rates under the Garda vote. Persons who are removed under these Regulations are usually removed from prison.

Any administration costs are met by the repatriation unit of Immigration Service Delivery, who consider the cases for removal, and organise flights and travel documents where appropriate.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 (Dublin III Regulations), came into force on 19 July 2013, and lays down the criteria and mechanisms for determining which EU country is responsible for examining an asylum application. The Dublin Regulation is based on the principle that the first Member State to facilitate entry to the EU should be responsible for examining the protection application.

The making of a transfer decision under the EU Dublin Regulation is not a deportation order. The International Protection Office considers whether applicants might have their cases considered under the Dublin Regulation. If the Regulation is deemed to apply, the applicant may appeal that decision to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT). In practice, and in keeping with the experience of all Member States, effecting transfers under the Regulation is challenging, and reforming these arrangements therefore forms a key part of the ongoing discussions at EU level with respect to agreeing a new Migration and Asylum Pact.

A decision to transfer made under the Dublin III Regulations expires after six months. This extends to 18 months if the applicant has absconded. If an appeal is launched, a Dublin III decision expires six months from the date the appeal decision is given.

I can advise the Deputy that there have been two transfers under the Dublin iii Regulation in 2023. One transfer was in respect of a person who paid for their own flight. The cost of the flight for the transfer of the other person concerned was €268.17.

These returns are to other EU Member States and are usually unescorted, so the costs incurred are usually comprised of the direct flight cost. There are no accommodation costs incurred. Any administration costs are met by the repatriation team in my Department, who organise all returns.

The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum seeks to establish a more coherent approach across the EU to migration, asylum, integration and border management.Ireland is actively participating in the negotiations on the pact. The Pact, includes ten legislative measures to reform the Common European Asylum System. The proposals aim to provide swift, sustainable and fair procedures for the management of migration and asylum in the EU in ordinary times as well as in times of migratory pressure and crisis situations. They also aim to create greater convergence in asylum standards and processes across the Union to prevent the levels of secondary movements currently being experienced. One of the proposed measures is the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR) which will replace the Dublin III Regulation. It provides, inter alia, for streamlined criteria and reduced timeframes for determining the Member State responsible for determining an asylum application as well as revised rules on transferring responsibility within the EU.