Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has said that figures he has received by answer to Dáil Questions underline a huge gap between the number of people who have been given deportation orders and those who have left the country. 

Deputy Ó Laoghaire was responding after figures were released by RTÉ suggesting that the number of deportation orders signed to date this year has increased by 140%, compared to the same period in 2023.

Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:

“It is remarkable that the Justice Minister Helen McEntee is set to bring these figures to Cabinet this week and claim that they are a success. While the number of deportation orders may have increased, there is no evidence to suggest that they have been followed up on. Of the 1,792 deportation orders signed, just 98 were enforced. That’s less than 6%.

“When we compare these figures with last year, there is little improvement. In 2023 there were 5,717 applications for asylum refused, withdrawn, or determined inadmissible. 948 were issued with deportation orders, while only 80 of those orders were enforced. When we compare these figures to 2024, there is little progress. 

“The Justice Minister will claim this week that the number of deportation orders issued, and the enforcement of deportations has increased considerably. In reality, this remark is incredibly misleading.

“But significantly the Government are now acknowledging the fact that they have very little information on what happens after a deportation order is issued. They have acknowledged they have no idea how long people are here after they get such an order. That’s not good enough.

“In a PQ reply earlier this month the Minister confirmed to me that “it would not be possible to determine the average length of time that a person who has received a deportation order remains in the state”. 
We have real problem in terms of ensuring that deportation orders are followed up on. That is a huge flaw in our migration system.
In our policy document we said that much follow up is required including cross checking with employers, previous accommodation providers etc.

“What we need is significant investment to increase staffing across the system. More staff will allow for deportation orders to be followed up on and ensure that those found not to be eligible for international protection here in Ireland actually leave the state. In our Alternative Budget this year, Sinn Féin allocated €34 million to increase staffing in the international protection system, 40% more than what the government allocated. 

“Such an investment shows that Sinn Féin is serious about tackling the problems facing our migration system.”