Family facing deportation plead with the Justice Department to intervene

The Oyekanmi family came to Ireland a number of years ago from Nigeria. Titilayo Oluwakemi Oyekanmi, and her three boys sought asylum here. But the family is to due face deportation tomorrow. Titilayo joined Andrea to discuss their campaign for the Justice Department to intervene in their case. Also joining Andrea was Finbarr O’Brien, De La Salle Rugby Club, where Titilayo's son has become involved in the club.

Statement from the Department of Justice

The Department cannot comment on individual cases.

The Department takes all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times.

People can apply for international protection in Ireland if they have come to escape persecution in their own country or if they cannot return to their country because they have a well-founded fear for their safety.

Both the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) are fully independent in deciding whether or not to grant international protection. Each application is examined individually on its own merits, in line with national and international asylum law.

People who have been refused international protection and have exhausted the appeals avenues through the IPAT are entitled to submit a request to review their permission to remain where their circumstances have changed since their initial application. If successful, they will be granted permission to remain in Ireland. If the permission to remain review is refused the persons will have the option of voluntary return, which if not accepted will in the normal course lead to the making of a deportation order.

If a person’s application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State they must do so. Their case to remain in the State has been considered in detail and the appeals processes have been concluded. Before a deportation order is made the person is offered assistance to return home voluntarily. This is the preferred option and the Department runs a  voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to a deportation order issuing.