33 people removed via chartered flight, O'Callaghan confirms

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan speaking to the media at Government Buildings, Dublin. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

There were 33 Polish and Lithuanian citizens removed from Ireland via chartered flight on Sunday, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has confirmed.

Mr O’Callaghan said the removals took place earlier today on grounds of criminality, with 31 men and two women having been deported.

The Department of Justice said the individuals who were deported had received a custodial sentences for a “range of criminal offences”.

The individuals who were deported received entry bans of up to 10 years.

The overall cost of the charter flight was €122,000, including return.

Mr O’Callaghan said the right to freedom of movement for EU citizens is something “we strive to protect”.

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,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

“It is important to remember that the majority of Polish and Lithuanian nationals’ resident in Ireland respect our laws and contribute positively to society.” 

The charter flight left Dublin Airport at 12.30 this afternoon and flew to Warsaw in Poland, before flying on to Vilnius in Lithuania.

Last year, there were 56 EU citizens removed from Ireland via the Free Movement Directive.