Garda operation results in deportation of 25 non-Irish sex offenders

Ellen O'Donoghue

A total of 25 non-Irish sex offenders have been deported from the State to date, since the commencement of Operation Moonridge.

Through the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), gardaí carried out the operation in 2025, during which non-Irish nationals convicted of sexual crimes were identified and deported.

The operation involved identifying and locating convicted sex offenders of interest to GNIB for consideration for an EU Removal Order or deportation.

Of the 25 sex offenders removed to date as part of the operation, 14 are non-EU nationals, and 11 are EU nationals who are now all subject to exclusion periods from Ireland.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has said the operation is critical for the protection of people and for building confidence in the country's immigration system.