Thirty-two people were deported from the Republic of Ireland to Georgia on a chartered flight on Thursday night.

It was the first operation conducted under a contract signed by the Republic last November for the provision of charter flights for deportations.

All of those taken to Tbilisi on the flight were Georgian nationals who had been subject to deportation orders.

The group was made up of 28 men, three women and a child who was with their parents.

“A central priority for me and this government is that our immigration laws are robust and enforced,” Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said.

“People are entitled to have confidence in our immigration system and there must be consequences for individuals who refuse to leave the state when they are ordered to do so.”

He said Thursday’s flight was “a significant start in ensuring that deportation orders are enforced and part of a more effective immigration system generally.

“There will be further flights scheduled in the future.”

Gardai (police), medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer were also onboard the flight.

Mr O’Callaghan said when a person’s application for asylum is refused or they are found to have no permission to be in the state, they are offered assistance to return home voluntarily.

If they do not do so, they are liable to be deported by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, he added.

The Irish Department of Justice said access to chartered flights “has significantly increased the capacity of An Garda Síochána to effect removals”.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: “Yesterday, the Garda National Immigration Bureau of An Garda Síochána, in a planned operation, carried out the removal of 32 persons from Ireland to Georgia.

“This was the largest removal operation carried out by GNIB in over six years. A

“An Garda Síochána continues to play its role in enforcing immigration legislation and maintaining the security and integrity of our borders.”

Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy said: “Chartered deportation flights will now form an important part of removing people who do not have a right to remain in our country.

“I look forward to now seeing chartered flights in conjunction with voluntary deportations, ensuring that we will have a firm and effective system in place to deal with deportations going forward.”