The Government is Seeking Tenders for Charter Flights for Deportation

The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, has announced that the government is looking for companies to provide charter flights for the deportation of individuals who no longer have permission to remain in Ireland. This move aims to increase the capacity for deportations and provide more options for An Garda Síochána.

Interested companies have until July 17 to submit proposals, with flights expected to start before the year ends. The service providers must have ground support, catering, and medical assistance for passengers when needed.

There has been a significant increase in International Protection cases, prompting the need to enhance the removal capacity for those whose applications have been rejected. The Minister emphasized that charter flights will serve as an additional operational and enforcement resource for deportations.

This year, there have been 860 deportation orders, and 295 individuals have left the country. Additionally, voluntary returns have doubled compared to last year, showing an increasing trend in departures.