DUBLIN, Ireland: Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said he plans to continue his strict approach toward non-Irish citizens who commit serious crimes in the country. He made this statement a day after 34 men were deported to Poland and Lithuania.

O'Callaghan was at Dublin Airport on May 25 to launch upgraded eGate systems, which are part of the border control system run by the Department of Justice. He said the 25 new and improved gates are an important step in keeping Ireland's busiest airport safe and secure.

Speaking to reporters, he referred to the deportation of 34 Polish and Lithuanian men, saying they had all been convicted of serious crimes.

He explained that citizens of the European Union can live and work in Ireland under free movement rules, but only if they follow strict conditions. If they commit serious crimes, they lose these rights.

O'Callaghan also said he must consider victims' concerns. He added that in cases of serious sexual crimes, he seeks the victim's consent before deporting the offender. He also noted that no one is removed from prison until they are in the final year of their sentence.

He said he is taking a firm approach to people who come to Ireland and commit serious crimes, and he intends to continue doing so.

Talking about the new eGates, he said about 6.3 million people used them at Dublin Airport last year, and that number is expected to rise. The new gates will speed up the process and can also be used with identity cards. They include improved facial recognition technology to match travelers with their ID photos.

Colm Brophy, who also attended the launch, said the new gates will replace older machines and that adding more gates will make a big difference.