Gardaí deport 33 convicted criminals from Ireland on charter flight to Poland and Lithuania

A total of 33 people with criminal convictions have been deported from Ireland following a Garda-led operation carried out on Sunday.

Gardaí confirmed that 17 Polish nationals and 16 Lithuanian nationals were removed from the State on a chartered flight from Dublin, after exclusion orders were issued banning them from re-entering Ireland for periods of up to 10 years.

Those removed included 31 men and two women, aged from their early 20s to early 60s.

Gardaí said all had previously received custodial sentences in Ireland for a range of offences.

Twenty of the individuals were removed directly from Irish Prison Service custody, while the remaining 13 were arrested in communities across the country and detained ahead of their removal.,

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The flight departed Dublin Airport at 12.30pm on Sunday, landing in Warsaw, Poland, before continuing on to Vilnius, Lithuania.

Garda personnel accompanied the returnees, along with medical staff, interpreters and a human rights observer.

Confirming the operation, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said the removals were carried out in line with the EU Free Movement Directive, which allows for the restriction of movement on grounds of public policy and public security.

“The right to freedom of movement is among the most fundamental rights and freedoms provided to European citizens that we strive to protect,” he said.

“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.”

The Minister added that he would act where public safety is at risk.

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“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.”

Gardaí said all 33 individuals had criminal histories in Ireland with convictions linked to offences including drug trafficking, burglary, organised crime, sexual offences and dangerous driving.

Mr O’Callaghan also noted that the vast majority of EU nationals living in Ireland comply with the law.

“It is important to remember that the majority of Polish and Lithuanian nationals resident in Ireland respect our laws and contribute positively to society,” he said, while thanking gardaí and Department officials for their work on the operation.

The Department of Justice confirmed the cost of the charter flight was €122,000, and said 56 people were removed from Ireland under the directive last year.