Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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448. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the current policy and operational procedures governing the detention of individuals pending deportation via chartered flights. [26717/25]

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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449. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether individuals subject to deportation orders are being detained in prisons while awaiting such flights. [26718/25]

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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450. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide a breakdown of the number of individuals detained pending deportation via chartered flights; the specific prison or detention facilities in which they were held; the number of nights each individual spent in detention prior to deportation, to date 2025. [26719/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 448, 449 and 450 together.

I can assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to ensuring that Ireland’s immigration system is robust and rules based. The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure that there is confidence in the application of our legislation in this area.

My Department has taken action to significantly improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals. The number of deportation orders signed in 2024 (2,403) increased by 180% compared to 2023 (857). This year 1,816 deportation orders have been signed up to 23 May 2025. Last year, 1,116 people departed from the State under various mechanisms (i.e. enforced deportation, voluntary return etc.), an increase of 252% compared to 2023 (317). This year 796 persons have had their departure confirmed through these pathways up to 23 May 2025.

In 2025, two charter flight operations have removed 71 people who were subject to deportation orders from the State with a further 48 removed on commercial airlines. Further charter operations and removals on commercial aircraft will be conducted as the year progresses. Additionally, 20 people have verified with my Department that they have left the State following a deportation order being issued against them.

A deportation order is a legal order to leave the State. Any person who has been ordered to leave the State and fails to do so, within the timeframe issued with the deportation order, is committing a criminal offence and can be arrested without warrant if they come into contact with An Garda Síochána. Such an order remains on the person’s record permanently, unless revoked by the Minister for Justice – it means they may not enter Ireland again in future.

It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. It is important to note that a person can only avail of voluntary return before a deportation order is issued.

I can advise the Deputy up to 23 May 2025 of this year there have been 119 enforced deportations (i.e. requiring escort), the majority of these cases have involved periods of detention prior to Departure. Of the 71 people removed by charter flight, 56 were held in custody immediately prior to the flight. Any children removed were part of family groups and were not detained.

When a person does not comply with a deportation order they can be arrested and detained for the purposes of ensuring their deportation. The enforcement of deportation orders, and the detention of people prior to their removal, is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Most people have been detained in Cloverhill Remand Prison or the Dóchas Centre as appropriate. People have also been detained in Cork prison, Limerick prison and Midlands prison.