Jim O'Callaghan

Yesterday’s operation removed 17 Polish citizens (16 men and one woman) and 16 Lithuanian citizens (15 men and one woman), ranging in age from early 20s to early 60s.

All those removed had received custodial sentences for a range of criminal offences.

The removal orders were made in accordance with the Free Movement Directive (Directive 2004/38/EC), and re-entry bans of up to 10 years have been applied to prevent their return to Ireland.

The returnees were accompanied on the flight — which departed Dublin for Warsaw and then Vilnius — by Garda personnel, medical staff, two interpreters and a human rights observer.

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “The right to freedom of movement is among the most fundamental rights and freedoms provided to European citizens that we strive to protect.

“Securing this right for our citizens is one of the most important achievements of the European Union, offering people the opportunity to work, study and live in 31 countries, and assuring their protections to do so.

“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.

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

He added: “It is important to remember that the majority of Polish and Lithuanian nationals’ resident in Ireland respect our laws and contribute positively to society.

“I would like to extend my thanks to members of An Garda Síochána and officials from my Department for their continued hard work on conducting these removal operations.”