DUBLIN — The Irish Government has deported 42 Brazilian nationals since June, a group that includes 15 individuals who were serving prison sentences, according to Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.
In a public statement, Mr. O’Callaghan confirmed that all 42 individuals were deported on commercial flights to Brazil as they did not have permission to be in the country. The Minister highlighted the case of the 15 prisoners, noting that many were nearing the end of their terms and were deemed eligible for release on the condition of their deportation. This measure also helps to free up much-needed space in the nation’s overcrowded prisons.
Further efforts to facilitate the release and deportation of foreign nationals from prisons are ongoing, with the final decision resting with the Irish Prison Service. Mr. O’Callaghan clarified that this initiative does not apply to individuals serving early parts of their sentences or those convicted of serious crimes.
This year has seen a significant increase in deportation orders, with 2,713 issued by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration up to August 29, compared to 1,285 during the same period last year. A total of 1,386 people have been removed from Ireland through various mechanisms, including forced and voluntary returns.
The use of commercial flights for the recent Brazilian deportations was a deliberate choice, as Mr. O’Callaghan explained that a chartered flight requires identifying individuals from a single country for the operation.
Previous chartered deportation flights this year include the removal of 35 people to Nigeria in June and 32 people to Georgia in February. At the time, the Minister emphasized that such actions send a clear message about the enforcement of rules for those who have been issued deportation orders.
