Ireland

Petition to return Dundalk father-of-six to Ireland after deportation to South Africa

Dundalk dad Mark Morris with one of his children
Dundalk dad Mark Morris with one of his children Dundalk dad Mark Morris with one of his children

THE partner of a Dundalk man who was deported suddenly on Friday has started a petition to allow him to return to Ireland.

Mark Morris (43), from South Africa, is the father of six young children who were all born in the Republic.

His partner Amanda Crowe said she and her children were "distraught".

Writing on Facebook she said: "My partner was the main carer for the six children as I was studying full time. Two of the children have disabilities.

"Ireland has been his home for the past 11 years. We need him back here where he belongs."

Ms Crowe has started a petition to the Department of Justice and Equality.

She said her partner had attended what he thought was a routine visit to the Garda station last Thursday when he was held there along with his three youngest children.

He was flown out of the country the next day.

On Friday, Ms Crowe attempted to lodge an injunction to the High Court in a bid to stop the deportation, but it was too late.

It is understood Mr Morris did not provide the Department of Justice and Equality with the paperwork required to support his application for residence.

A spokesman for Daly, Lynch, Crowe and Morris solicitors, who are working on behalf of the family, said: "Six children had their father taken away from their lives, three weeks before Christmas, in a completely unnecessary and disproportionate manner."

A spokesman for the department said it did not comment on individual cases, but insisted the decision to deport someone was "never taken lightly".

Three of Mr Morris's brothers are also living in the Republic as Irish citizens.