Tender launched for flights deporting individuals without permission to remain in the State

An announcement from the Department of Justice said charter flights offer an alternative to commercial flights, particularly for removing a group of people to the same destination.

860 deportation orders have been signed so far this year and more than 295 people have departed the State under mechanisms including forced return and voluntary return.

Enforced deportations this year have nearly tripled compared to last year, up to 50 in the year to date compared to 19 by June 17, 2023.

The announcement of the tender was welcomed by Justice Minister Helen McEntee.

“I am committed to ensuring the State’s immigration processes are robust, effective, and fair. The capacity of deportation and return processes are essential elements of any immigration system,” she said.

“With a major increase in the number of decisions issuing on International Protection cases it is now time to increase our capacity to remove people from the State whose applications have been refused and who do not have permission to remain in the State. A charter service will increase our options in this regard.

“Providing access to charter flights will be a useful additional operational and enforcement resource for An Garda Síochána when the use of commercial carriers is not appropriate.

“Subject to the successful completion of the tender process and other relevant arrangements, I intend to see charter flights operational by the end of the year.”

The number of people who have availed of voluntary return has more than doubled this year, from 97 last year to 227. The Department said a voluntary return programme assisting some in reintegrating in their home country is “faster, easier and cheaper than forced deportations”.

The request for tender includes the provision of flights as well as other services including ground support, catering and medical assistance for passengers when required.

“Providing access to charter flights is just one of the measures I am introducing to support An Garda Síochána in their duties to enforce our immigration laws,” Ms McEntee added.

“I have also provided specific funding for the Garda Airport Liaison Officer programme and, over the course of 2024 registration functions nationwide will be largely transferred to my Department.

“Nationwide, over 100 Gardaí are assigned to immigration duties. Reducing administrative tasks and providing additional resources, releases valuable Garda hours to focus on operational and enforcement matters, such as deportations and investigations.”

Providers have until July 17 to submit proposals for securing the tender.