Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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763. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the powers that exist to deport a non-Irish national who has committed a serious crime; the current thresholds in relation to same; if there has been any review recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39627/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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It is a central priority for me as Minister that our immigration laws are robust and enforced. The removal of persons who are involved in criminality and those who are a danger to society is a priority for me as Minister, my Department and the Garda Commissioner.

My officials work closely with An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service to ensure high risk persons are prioritised for removal from Ireland. This work involves regular and ongoing reviews of cases to ensure that such removals are progressed swiftly where possible. The option to voluntary return is not offered to persons who have serious criminal convictions.

Under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, a Deportation Order may be issued on a number of grounds, including:

• under Section 3(2)(a), a person who has served or is serving a term of imprisonment imposed on him or her by a court in the State,

• under Section 3(2)(b), a person whose deportation has been recommended by a court in the State before which such person was indicted for or charged with any crime or offence,

• under Section 3(2)(i), a person whose deportation would, in the opinion of the Minister, be conducive to the common good.

Additionally, Directive 2004/38/EC, the “Free Movement Directive”, provides for the removal of EU and EEA nationals or their family members who represent a danger to public policy or public security, this includes people convicted of serious crimes. I can assure the Deputy that such removals are actively managed by my Department and An Garda Síochána. So far in 2025, ten individuals have been removed from Ireland under the Directive.

The operation and enforcement of the law in this area is kept under continual review by my Department.

My Department has taken and continue to take action to 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 2,443 deportation orders have been signed up to 11 July 2025.

So far in 2025, a total of 1,074 people departed from the State under various mechanisms (i.e. enforced deportation, voluntary return etc.). In 2025 three charter flight operations have removed 106 people who were subject to deportation orders from the State and 69 have been removed on commercial airlines. Additionally, 30 people subject to deportation orders are confirmed to have left unescorted.