Children should not be deported

Ivana Bacik TD
18 October 2018

Labour Seanad Leader Ivana Bacik has called on the Minister for Justice to stop the deportation of children who are born in Ireland, and those who have spent most of their lives here.

This follows the threat to deport a 9 year old boy in Bray who was born here.

Senator Bacik raised it in the Seanad today, and asked the Minister for Justice to explain his approach.

Senator Bacik said:

“Two cases have come to public attention recently of children who face the threat of deportation.

“The latest case is of nine year old Eric Zhi Ying Xue in Bray who is facing imminent deportation. Media reports indicate that the local TD who is Minister for Health is assisting them with efforts to stop this.

“Children should not have to rely on a geographical lottery of having a Government Minister in their constituency, to advocate on their behalf when public campaigns start.

“Just last week, the Minister for Justice intervened in a case in his constituency of Laois-Offaly, to ensure Nonso Muojeke wasn’t deported to Nigeria. He had lived in Ireland since he was two years old.

“It is a sad day for Ireland when local campaigns are required to put pressure on Government Ministers to stop children being deported.

“This latest deportation threat is as a result of the constitutional referendum in 2004, supported by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil that removed the right to birth right citizenship.

“The Minister for Justice who is responsible for this policy must now clarify if it is his policy now to stop deporting children from Ireland.”

Stay up to date

Receive our latest updates in your inbox.
By subscribing you agree to receive emails about our campaigns, policies, appeals and opportunities to get involved. Privacy Policy

Follow us

Connect with us on social media