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SOME 23 Romanian criminals have been deported from the State by charter flight, it’s emerged.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan revealed the suspected gang members were repatriated this afternoon on foot of removal orders.
The men kicked out had all been hit with custodial sentences for a number of different offences, and are banned from re-entering Ireland for a decade.
His department said in a statement: “Removal Orders were enforced against 23 men aged between 22 and 49 years.
“The group was removed from the State by charter flight this afternoon. All those removed had received custodial sentences for a range of offences.
“These orders were made in accordance with the Free Movement Directive (Directive 2004/38/EC).
The removal from the State of convicted criminals and those who are a danger to public safety are prioritised in consultation with An Garda Siochana and the Irish Prison Service.
“To date this year, 22 individuals have been removed from Ireland under the Directive on commercial airlines.
“Today’s operation brings the number of removals under the Directive to 45.”
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