The government has returned 39 people to Georgia after attempting to move to Ireland illegally.
The Georgian nationals (30 males and 4 females and 5 children) left the country by charter flight last night.
This is the second operation conducted by the Department of Justice since the recommencement of charter flights for deportations earlier this year.
In February, another chartered flight to Georgia removed 32 people who were subject to deportation orders.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said:“Stepping up enforcement and securing our borders is a central commitment of mine. Swift and fair returns of people whose applications have been refused is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process.
“If people wish to move to Ireland, they must do so using the appropriate legal pathways. Removal operations send a clear message that our laws are to be respected and underscores this government’s intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system.
“I want to thank the members of An Garda Síochána and my officials for their continued work to ensure that if a person is ordered to leave the country, that they do so. There will be further charter operations to ensure a faster and more efficient removal system.
“It is also important to note that many members of the Georgian community are legally in the State. They contribute to the economy and the cultural and social fabric of our society. They are welcome here and we thank them for their contribution.”
The Department said that enforced removals are carried out “as a measure of last resort” when the person concerned has not removed themselves from the State or availed of assisted voluntary return measures.
Minister O’Callaghan added: “Before a deportation order is made, the person is offered assistance to return home voluntarily, this is the preferred option. In addition to enforced removals, my Department is achieving significant increases in the number of people leaving voluntarily and I am asking those who are given this opportunity to avail of it.”
In line with previous operations, the returnees were accompanied on the flight by Garda personnel, medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer.
