In his reply to Aidan Farrelly's parliamentary question, the Minister of Justice provided the number of deportation orders signed in 2024 (2,403), which increased by 180% compared to 2023 (857). In total, 2,120 deportation orders have been signed up to 20 June 2025. In 2024, 1,116 people departed from the state under various mechanisms (i.e. enforced deportation, voluntary return, etc.), an increase of 252% compared to 2023 (317). 980 persons have had their departure confirmed through these pathways up to 20 June 2025. Otherwise confirmed deportations is where it has been confirmed the individual has left the state following receipt of a Deportation Order without being escorted.
As there are no routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to accurately provide the number of people who are currently in Ireland subject to deportation orders. While over 200 of the people subject to deportation orders above have confirmed they have left the State independently, it should be noted that many will have left the State without informing the authorities. Charter operations were introduced earlier this year following the successful tender launched in 2024.
So far in 2025, three charter flight operations have returned 106 people who were subject to deportation orders from the State with a further 59 removed on commercial airlines. Further charter operations and removals on commercial aircraft will be conducted as the year progresses.