Re-entry bans of up to 10 years have been applied to prevent their return to Ireland
20:22, 13 Oct 2025Updated 22:00, 13 Oct 2025
Deportees boarding a flight at Dublin Airport(Image: An Garda SÃochána)
A total of 23 convicted rapists, burglars and fraudsters from Romania have been removed from the State and banned from re-entering for up to ten years, it has been confirmed.
The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) of An Garda SÃochána carried out the operation to remove the individuals on foot of EU Removal and Exclusion Orders for ten years.
The 23 convicted criminals, who were serving prison sentences for offences in Ireland including assaults, thefts, burglaries, fraud, drugs and sexual offences, were removed on a chartered flight which left Dublin on Monday, October 13, for Romania.
Four of the males were registered sex offenders.
23 criminals were on board
Re-entry bans of up to 10 years have been applied to prevent their return to Ireland.
Speaking about Monday’s operation, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan said: “The right to freedom of movement is among the most fundamental rights and freedoms provided to European citizens that we strive to protect.
“Securing this right for our citizens is one of the most important achievements of the European Union, offering people the opportunity to work, study and live in 31 European countries, and assuring their protections to do so.
“Restricting the right to freedom of movement is not a measure I take lightly, but there must be consequences if a person’s behaviour means they should no longer be entitled to access this privilege.
“Action will be taken if our laws are not respected and upheld and this includes enforcing removal orders and sending people home.
“It is important to acknowledge that the vast majority of the Romanian community are law-abiding and hardworking people who make a positive contribution to Irish society.
“I want to thank the members of An Garda SÃochána and my officials for their work in conducting today’s operation,” the Minister said.
Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland and their qualifying family members have the right to move and reside within these territories under conditions provided in the Free Movement Directive.
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration can issue an order to restrict these rights and expel a person on grounds of Public Policy, Public Security or Public Health.
These orders can be issued on specific, limited grounds based on the individual’s personal conduct and not general concerns.
They require a detailed examination of the person’s individual circumstances including their length of residence and family ties in Ireland to ensure that the restriction of freedom of movement rights is appropriate and proportionate.
The removal from the State of convicted criminals and those who are a danger to public safety are prioritised in consultation with An Garda SÃochána and the Irish Prison Service.
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