'You can't stay here' - Children among 39 people deported at Dublin Airport

39 people, including 5 children, were deported from Ireland this week as the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) of An Garda Síochána carried out an operation to remove individuals from the State.
 
All individuals were removed on a chartered flight which left Dublin Airport on Wednesday evening for Georgia.

Speaking on Newstalk on Thursday morning, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said among the 39 people deported, five were children, and they were accompanied by there mother and father on the flight back.

Presenter Shane Coleman said it must have been an upsetting experience for the children, as king the minister,

"I know the law is the law but do you feel at all squeamish about these deportation flights?"

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"Yes", he replied, "I can understand how it must have been upsetting for the children and indeed their parents, but the reason it's upsetting is because parents put their children in that position.

"They had applied for international protection, they had a hearing, there was the appeal and their applications were refused", the minister continued.

"There have to be consequences. If there aren't any consequences, it simply means that there's no difference between being granted asylum and not being granted asylum.

"They were refused international protection and it's a tough and unpleasant duty, but it is my duty under legislation to ensure that the laws are enforced.

"I get no pleasure out of doing it but I am going to do it to ensure that the system operates effectively."

"39 people is quite a small number", said the presenter, "Do we know what the cost is of chartering a plane? I'm sure it's pretty expensive."

"The cost was €103, 751 for the one way flight", said the Minister.

"So that's about 2 and half grand per person, it is expensive isn't it?", replied Shane.

"I don't think so. I think part of the reason for it as well is to send out a message that if you apply for international protection in Ireland and you're refused that asylum application there are consequences and you simply can't stay here if your application is refused", said the Minister.

"The message for you as Minister is - you're welcome here if you're a genuine asylum seeker, if you're not, you will be sent home?", said Shane.

"Correct...if you make your asylum application and you're refused - you can't stay here", the Minister concluded.