Over 50 foreign nationals were deported from Dublin airport late last night, The Irish Times has learned.
The deportees, believed to be from Romania were rounded up yesterday afternoon and evening before their flight home.
The night time deportation, which was organised out of Blanchardstown Garda station, has been criticised by a number of refugee welfare groups.
A Garda spokesman last night confirmed the operation took place and that the timing was to "facilitate as early an arrival as possible in the home country of those deported".