Fifty-two individuals, including seven children, were deported to Georgia on a charter flight that departed from Dublin last night, reports RTE.
According to a statement from the Department of Justice, the 45 adults – comprising 35 men and ten women – along with the seven children, arrived in Tbilisi at 2.30am Irish time this morning, reports RTE.
All of the children were travelling as part of family groups.
This marks the sixth deportation operation using chartered aircraft this year, bringing the total number of people removed via charter flights to 205, while an additional 146 individuals have been deported on commercial flights, reports RTE.
The flight was operated by Air Partner Ltd at a cost of €187,625 for a round trip, according to the statement, which also noted that the full cost of the operation has not yet been finalised as “the invoicing process has not yet been completed.”
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that deportations and removals will continue throughout the rest of the year.
“I would like to re-iterate that if a person’s application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State, they must do so. If they choose not to leave voluntarily, they will be forced to leave,” he said, reports RTE.
The minister further stated that over 3,870 deportation orders have been signed so far this year, and that 2025 will record the highest number of deportations from the State on both charter and commercial flights in more than two decades.
“I would like to highlight that the majority of Georgian people resident in Ireland are doing so legally, having entered the State though the various legal pathways available. They are welcome and contribute immensely to our economy and society,” he added, reports RTE.
Those deported were accompanied on the flight by members of An Garda SĂochána, medical personnel, an interpreter, and a human rights observer.
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