Minister Jim O’Callaghan announces the removal of 24 Romanian nationals by charter flight on grounds of criminality

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has confirmed the successful completion of a charter flight to remove 24 Romanian nationals from the State on the grounds of criminality.

In accordance with the Free Movement Directive, removal orders were enforced against 24

Romanian men between the ages of 24 and 57 years.

The group was removed from the State by charter flight and the flight departed Dublin airport at 16.25, and arrived in Bucharest, Romania, at 20.00 (Irish time).

Re-entry bans of up to 10 years have been applied to each man to prevent their return to Ireland. Those removed during the operation had all served custodial sentences for various criminal offences.

Today’s charter flight brings the total number of people removed under the Free Movement Directive to 148 so far in 2026.

Garda personnel, medical staff, interpreters and a human rights observer accompanied the returnees on this flight.

The operations are conducted in close cooperation with the Irish Prison Service and An Garda Síochána.

Speaking on today’s operation, Minister O’Callaghan said:

“Restricting the right to freedom of movement of European citizens is not a measure I take lightly, but there must be consequences if a person’s criminal behaviour means they should no longer be entitled to access this privilege.

“I will take action if our laws are not upheld and this includes enforcing removal orders for individuals who are a danger to the public.

“The enforcement of removal orders and use of charter flights demonstrates my commitment to taking effective action in this area.

“I would like to thank the members of An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service and officials from my Department for their work on this successful operation.“

Minister of State Brophy added:

“It is vital that everyone living in the State respects and complies with its laws.

“It is important to acknowledge that the majority of Romanian nationals resident in the State respect our laws and make a positive contribution to Irish society.

“Six previous charter operations this year has seen the removal of 221 people from the State. Today’s operation brings the total removed by charter in 2026 to 245, including 91 EU citizens who were removed on grounds of criminality.”

The costs for the provision of the aircraft for this operation is €182,270 (ex VAT) for a one way/return flight.