Ireland to Continue Deporting EU Citizens for Serious Crimes; 34 Removed May 24th

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that Ireland will continue to deport EU citizens who commit serious crimes. He stated his intention to remove anyone who, as a guest in Ireland, commits a serious criminal offense.

This policy follows the removal of 34 individuals on Sunday, May 24th: 22 Polish and 12 Lithuanian nationals. O’Callaghan emphasized that while EU citizens benefit from free movement, this is subject to serious conditions, and those committing serious criminal offenses lose these privileges. He noted that individuals convicted of serious sexual offenses would only be deported in their final year of sentence, after informing victims and seeking their consent.

All deportation cases will be assessed individually to ensure proportionality and avoid legal challenges under the free movement directive. O’Callaghan made these remarks while inspecting upgraded eGates at Dublin Airport with Minister for State Colm Brophy. The 25 new eGates feature improved facial comparison technology and a two-step verification process to enhance security and manage increasing passenger volumes. In 2025, 6.3 million passengers used earlier eGates, with higher numbers expected this year.