The individuals had received custodial sentences for a range of criminal offences
A total of 33 individuals with Polish or Lithuanian citizenship were removed from Ireland on Sunday, the Justice Minister has announced. Jim O’Callaghan confirmed yesterday evening that a removal operation had been completed to deport 17 Polish nationals (16 males and one female) and 16 Lithuanian citizens (15 males and one female) on the grounds of criminality.
Those deported range in age from their early 20s to their early 60s. The removal orders were conducted in accordance with the Free Movement Directive (Directive 2004/38/EC), and the Irish Mirror reports that all individuals are banned from re-entering the State for 10 years.
“The right to freedom of movement is among the most fundamental rights and freedoms provided to European citizens that we strive to protect,” Minister Jim O’Callaghan said in a statement. “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 countries, and assuring their protection 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. I will take action if our laws are not upheld, and this includes enforcing removal orders for individuals who are a danger to society and to the people of Ireland.
“It is important to remember that the majority of Polish and Lithuanian nationals resident in Ireland respect our laws and contribute positively to society. I would like to extend my thanks to members of An Garda SÃochána and officials from my Department for their continued hard work on conducting these removal operations.”
The Department of Justice confirmed that all those removed had received custodial sentences for a range of criminal offences.
A flight, which took off at 12.30 pm from Dublin Airport, was arranged in close cooperation with the Irish Prison Service and An Garda Siochana. Gardai accompanied the returnees, along with medical staff, two interpreters and a human rights observer, on board the plane that landed in Warsaw, Poland, before continuing on to Vilnius, Lithuania. The cost of the return flight was €122,000.
Last year, 56 individuals were removed from Ireland under the Free Movement Directive. Minister of State Colm Brophy commented: “It is important that people who come to Ireland to live, work and integrate into our communities, respect and comply with the laws of the State.
“Today’s operation shows our commitment in upholding our laws, and that we prioritise the removal of people who are involved in criminality. Last year saw 56 people removed from Ireland under the Directive, underpinning our dedication in this area.”