Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Proection Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has described new figures, published today, which show that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) has reduced as ‘incomprehensible’.

He has said that ‘it is clearly government policy to not follow up on deportation orders, and rely entirely on unsuccessful asylum applicants to leave of their own volition’.

Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:

“In 2022, there were 5,711 applications for asylum refused, withdrawn or inadmissible with 948 – or 10% – of applicants issued with deportation orders and only 52 of those orders enforced by the GNIB.

“Of that 948, 317 applicants were then confirmed to have left the State by the Department of Justice. That is a small portion of those who have no right to be in the State.

“As of May 2024, of 586 orders issued, there were only 220 confirmed to have been effected by the Department of Justice. Again this is a minority of those concerned.

“This government’s policy is not to follow up on deportation orders and to expect unsuccessful asylum seekers to depart themselves without oversight and verification.

“If someone is willing to leave voluntarily, that is better for everyone, but if that is not the case the rules have to be enforced. Clearly, with reduced numbers of Gardaí assigned to GNIB, this is task is going to prove even harder.

“In our policy document published this week, Sinn Féin have set out the need for greater follow up on deportation orders to ensure that those not be eligible for international protection actually leave, including cross-checking with accommodation providers, employers, Revenue and other agencies 

“This is not happening on this government’s watch. It is clearly government policy to not enforce deportation orders.”