Dublin, 13 October 2025 — The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, has confirmed the removal of 23 Romanian men, aged between 22 and 49, from Ireland on Monday afternoon. The individuals were deported under the EU Free Movement Directive (Directive 2004/38/EC) following custodial sentences for a range of criminal offences.
The group departed Dublin Airport at 14:25 on a charter flight bound for Bucharest, arriving later that evening. Each individual has been issued a re-entry ban of up to 10 years, preventing their return to Ireland during that period.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
The Free Movement Directive allows EU citizens and their qualifying family members to live and work across member states. However, it also permits governments to restrict these rights on grounds of public policy, public security, or public health, based on individual conduct rather than general concerns.
Minister O’Callaghan emphasized that such decisions are made following detailed assessments of personal circumstances, including length of residence and family ties in Ireland, to ensure proportionality.
Broader Context
This latest operation brings the total number of removals under the directive in 2025 to 45, including 22 individuals previously deported via commercial airlines.
O’Callaghan stated: “Restricting the right to freedom of movement is not a measure I take lightly, but there must be consequences if a person’s behaviour means they should no longer be entitled to access this privilege.”
He also acknowledged the positive contributions of the wider Romanian community in Ireland, describing them as “law-abiding and hardworking”.
Operational Support
The removal was coordinated in consultation with An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service, reflecting the government’s prioritization of deporting individuals deemed a threat to public safety.
O’Callaghan thanked law enforcement and departmental officials for their role in executing the operation, calling it a “successful and necessary enforcement of Irish and EU law.”
Outlook
As Ireland continues to balance its obligations under EU freedom of movement rules with domestic public safety concerns, further removals may follow. The Department of Justice has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law while respecting the rights of EU citizens.
Sources: Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; Irish Government Press Office.
