134 deportation orders enforced against minors or young people in past five years
Less than 1% of deportation orders against minors in Ireland are enforced, according to the Justice Minister.
Charlie Flanagan says the process that decides whether people are deported should be fair and just.
His comments come after it emerged Eric Zhi Ying Xue, a nine-year-old from Co Wicklow, is facing deportation to China even though he was born and has lived all his life in Ireland.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan says he cannot comment on individual cases, but that the process for deciding on deportation orders takes all factors into consideration.
"A very small number are refused but these are refused after due and careful consideration has taken place," said Minister Flanagan.
"Looking at the numbers going back over the last five years, there have been 134 deportation orders enforced against minors or young people.
"That's in contrast with almost 20,000 minors being granted Irish citizenship."
