De Rossa seeks European review of Irish deportations

Labour Party MEP Pronsias de Rossa has requested that the European Union review the legality of recent deportations in Ireland.

Mr de Rossa requested the review yesterday, saying the deportations may have breached an EU directive on refugee status.

The directive says the best interests of children should be a primary consideration in any deportation order.

Four Nigerian children were left behind in Athlone last month after their mothers were deported to Lagos along with more than 30 other Nigerians.

Mr de Rossa has asked the president of the European Parliament to request a report on the matter from the European Commission and to clarify whether the deportations breached European laws.