Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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216. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of officials from her Department or bodies under her aegis that have travelled on Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration deportation flights in the context of child safeguarding (details supplied). [30870/25]

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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233. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide the child safeguarding policy he has put in place when children are removed from this jurisdiction on deportation flights (details supplied); and if he will provide a schedule of agencies and State bodies that augment his team in the context of deportation flights when children are among persons being deported. [30950/25]

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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234. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the policy in place in the context of medical emergencies onboard deportation flights (details supplied). [30951/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 216, 233 and 234 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 1,940 deportation orders have been signed up to 06 June 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 893 persons have had their departure confirmed through these pathways up to 06 June 2025.

So far in 2025, three charter flight operations have removed 106 people who were subject to deportation orders from the State with a further 54 removed on commercial airlines. Further charter operations and removals on commercial aircraft will be conducted as the year progresses.

No officials from my Department have travelled with these charter flights. The operational management of all escorted removals, including charters, are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB); this includes issues related to child safety.

I recognise that an enforced removal is an unfortunate and challenging experience for a child, which is why they are carried out only as a measure of last resort when the family concerned has not removed themselves from the State. The preferred option is to return people voluntarily and my Department operates a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. I can advise the Deputy that children have only been returned as part of family units. The children and their mothers were not detained in advance of their removal.

I can assure the Deputy that significant planning and consideration is given to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people being removed. Prior to any removal, members of GNIB conduct a risk assessment for the safety of those travelling. In addition to Garda personnel, medical staff accompanied returnees on each of the charter flights.