On 12 January 2022, which will forever remain one of the darkest days in the history of County Offaly and indeed Ireland, a young woman, Ashling Murphy, had her life taken in the most brutal and senseless way in the cold light of day. Since this House last sat on 22 October, the courts have delivered their verdicts and sentences. However, there remains a deep sense of unease and dismay among many that the punishment did not reflect the gravity of the crime. Ireland is and must always remain an open and welcoming country, a place of compassion, fairness and opportunity. However, that openness does not come at the expense of safety. We need measures that send a clear signal that while Ireland welcomes those who contribute positively to our economy and our society, we simply will not tolerate those who abuse our hospitality or endanger our citizens. Will the Government commit to ensuring that foreign nationals, including EU citizens, who serve prison sentences for serious offences in Ireland are deported to their home countries immediately upon the completion of their sentences?

At the outset, I commend the family of Ashling Murphy and everyone in the community in County Offaly who have shown such incredible resilience, strength and dignity while dealing with the most horrendous circumstances that any family could ever experience. Ashling's murder shocked the nation. Everyone in this House and throughout our country offers them nothing but our love, support and deepest sympathies.

Regarding the Deputy's question, from a policy perspective the removal from the State of convicted criminals and those who are a danger to public safety is a priority for the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, and for the Government. The removal of individuals is actively managed by the Department of justice in close consultation with An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service. There has been a large increase in the number of removal orders under the freedom of movement directive, from 24 in 2024 to 99 so far this year. Under the 2015 free movement regulation, orders can be made for the removal and exclusion of European Union citizens, or their family members, in certain circumstances. There is a particular threshold, grounds and a bar upon which that is set. That is the basis. I cannot speak about particular people other than to say that is how the directive works.