Dublin: The Irish government has deported 35 individuals to Nigeria after they were found to have remained in the country illegally, despite prior deportation orders. The group—comprising 21 men, nine women, and five children—was removed on a chartered flight from Dublin Airport to Lagos, Nigeria, at a total cost of €324,714.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that this was the third such charter operation carried out by the State in 2024. The deportation was overseen by members of An Garda Síochána and Department of Justice officials, who accompanied the passengers during the flight.
Deportations on the Rise in 2024
Minister of State for International Protection and Integration, Colm Brophy, stated that 1,940 deportation orders have been issued so far this year, with 580 individuals having already left the country. Charter flights, which resumed in February, have now removed a total of 106 people across three separate operations.
The Department of Justice reports that 2,403 deportation orders have been signed to date in 2024—an increase of 180% compared to the same period in 2023. Minister Brophy emphasised that while voluntary return is the government’s preferred approach, those who refuse to leave voluntarily will face enforcement action. “If you are not granted permission to remain—whether your work visa has expired or your protection claim has ended—you are required to leave the country,” he said.
Concerns Raised Over Impact on Children and Communities
The deportation has sparked concern after it was revealed that two of the deported children were long-time students at Red Cow St. James’s Primary School in Dublin. Principal Ciaran Cronin expressed deep sadness over the loss, describing the children as integral members of the school community. “These were bright, talented pupils—both academically and athletically. They were well-loved by their classmates and teachers alike,” he said.
The children had been living at the Red Cow IPS Accommodation Centre and were deported along with their families. According to Cronin, the deportation left the school community devastated. “The mood in the school was as if someone had died. Other students were in tears; they didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye.”
Despite efforts by the school to appeal to the Department of Justice and local representatives, no intervention was made. The deportation has left remaining children at the centre fearful for their own future, with staff reporting heightened anxiety among the young residents.
Criticism from Advocacy Groups
The Irish Refugee Council criticised the government’s emphasis on forced deportations, arguing that the approach is both costly and counterproductive. “This exclusive focus on deportation raises serious humanitarian concerns,” a spokesperson said. “Forced removals not only cost the state substantial sums but also leave lasting trauma—particularly when children are involved.”
Government Defends Procedures
In response, An Garda Síochána stated that they were executing a lawful ministerial order and that all families involved had been notified in advance of their removal. Gardaí added that those deported had previously been given the opportunity to leave voluntarily, with offers of financial assistance, but had not availed of the support.
Many of the adults involved had been in custody in the weeks leading up to the deportation.
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