The Irish State has spent €3.9 million on 10 deportation flights since February last year, involving 377 returnees accompanied by 988 Garda escorts. According to Department of Justice figures, this averages approximately €10,344 per person, a figure that excludes the costs of the garda escorts on the flights.
The Mechanics of Deportation Operations
The Department of Justice maintains that the scale of security on these flights is directly proportional to the risk profile of the passengers. Doncha O’Sullivan, Secretary General at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, stated in a letter to the Public Accounts Committee that the number of escorts is linked to passenger cooperation. “A deportation is a forced return and persons who are being returned will often not cooperate with the process,” O’Sullivan noted.
High-security operations have included a flight to South Africa in February where 133 Gardaí accompanied 63 returnees. Another instance involved 119 Gardaí escorting 34 individuals to Poland and Lithuania. Beyond personnel, the state incurred costs for medical teams (€162,916), flight managers (€60,165), and commercial return logistics (€106,347). Unexpected operational hurdles, such as an emergency landing in Nigeria in April 2025 and winter de-icing requirements for flights to Poland and Lithuania last January, added a further €21,740 to the total expenditure.
Did you know? Each group of returnees was accompanied by a Human Rights Observer (HRO) to ensure the integrity of the process. The cost for these observers across nine operations totaled €36,307.
Funding and EU Reimbursement Strategies
While the initial outlay for Garda escorts comes from the annual allocated garda spend, the Department of Justice has moved to offset these expenses using the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). A grant agreement effective from January 1 2025 through December 31 2027 has already seen €1.84 million paid to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
The department anticipates reclaiming up to 75% of eligible costs through the AMIF. O’Sullivan confirmed that the government is actively seeking reimbursement for charter plane expenses related to non-EU deportations and is currently processing claims for commercial flight costs. Projections suggest the total return to the exchequer could reach €3.45 million once these claims are finalized.
Operational Challenges and Future Trends
The reliance on charter flights, which accounted for €3.55 million of the total spend, highlights the logistical complexity of the current deportation framework. The highest single-flight expenditure recorded was €904,050 for a charter to South Africa on 19 June. As the department continues to navigate these operations, the focus remains on maintaining safety and professionalism, particularly when children and family groups are involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the state spend on average per deportation?
The average cost per returnee is approximately €10,344, based on the €3.9 million total spend for 377 returnees. - Why are so many Gardaí needed on these flights?
According to the Department of Justice, the high number of escorts is necessary to manage non-compliant passengers and ensure safety, especially for families and children. - Are these costs fully covered by the Irish taxpayer?
Not entirely. The department is reclaiming up to 75% of eligible costs from the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund. - What happens if a flight faces delays?
The department accounts for incidental costs, such as the €13,087 spent on de-icing and costs associated with emergency landings, like the incident in Nigeria.
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