JUSTICE MINISTER JIM O’Callaghan has said that a garda operation targeting convicted sex offenders who are not Irish nationals has seen 25 people removed from Ireland since it launched last year. 

The Department of Justice said that ‘Operation Moonbridge’ is identifying and deporting “highly dangerous non-Irish nationals in the State”. 

This targeted individuals are persons of interest to the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Once located, they are considered for an EU Removal Order or deportation. 

The group of 25 people who have been removed from Ireland on these grounds consists of 14 non-EU nationals and 11 EU nationals, who are now subject to exclusion periods which prevent them from entering Ireland. 

O’Callaghan today said that this work is being carried out by specialist Garda units, and that it is “critical for the protection of people and for building public confidence in Ireland’s immigration system”. 

He added that he is “implementing a rules-based migration system” which means that if people commit serious offences while in the State, that person “will be caught and removed”. 

Minister of State Colm Brophy added that it’s a priority that people who “hold an immigration permission who are involved in criminality and who pose a danger to society are removed from Ireland”. 

He commended gardaí and Department of Justice officials for their work on Operation Moonbridge.