Thirty-three Polish and Lithuanian citizens have been removed from the Irish State on a charter flight departing Dublin Airport this afternoon, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.
All of those removed had received custodial sentences in Ireland for a range of criminal offences, the department said. The group comprised 31 men and two women, with ages ranging from the early 20s to the early 60s.
An Garda Síochána said 20 of those removed were currently serving custodial sentences, while 13 others had been arrested and detained at locations across Ireland and were lodged in prison in advance of their removal.
The offences associated with those removed ranged from multiple road traffic offences, including driving without insurance, to sexual assault, drug offences, and alleged involvement in organised crime, according to the department and garda statements.
Legal basis under EU free movement rules.
As citizens of EU member states, Polish and Lithuanian nationals have the right to reside in Ireland under the EU Free Movement Directive. However, the directive allows for the removal and exclusion of an EU citizen, or their family member, where they are considered to represent a danger to public policy, public security or public health.
The Department of Justice said such orders may be made where an individual’s personal conduct is deemed to represent a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society.
In a statement, the Minister for Justice said that freedom of movement is among the most fundamental rights available to EU citizens, but that restrictions can be applied where a person’s behaviour means they should no longer be entitled to avail of that right. The Minister added that enforcement action would be taken where individuals are considered a danger to society, while stressing that the vast majority of Polish and Lithuanian nationals living in Ireland respect the law and contribute positively.
Flight details and cost.
The charter flight departed Dublin Airport at 12:30pm, travelling first to Warsaw before continuing to Vilnius, the Department of Justice said. The department stated that the cost to the State for the provision of the aircraft was €122,000.
The returnees were accompanied by garda personnel, medical staff, two interpreters and a human rights observer, the department said. No separate cost was provided for accompanying personnel.
Recent enforcement figures
The department said 56 people were removed from Ireland under the Free Movement Directive in 2025, up from 18 the previous year. The 2025 total included 23 removed on a charter flight to Romania, with others removed on commercial flights and a number leaving the State voluntarily, according to official figures.
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