The High Court heard yesterday that a Malaysian Catholic lay missionary based in Frenchpark, Co Roscommon was denied entry to the State, and subsequently deported, after being informed she could pose a threat to national security or be contrary to public policy.

61-year old Maria Susei Mary Jeyarani , who had been resident in Co Roscommon since 2007, was detained at Knock airport on February 9th after returning from a short trip to Britain, where she attended a prayer meeting for a young child with heart difficulties.

She was told by immigration officers that she could not enter the State and she was arrested, detained and transferred to the Dóchas centre – the women’s prison at Mountjoy in Dublin. She was deported two days later.

In proceedings against the Minister for Justice and Law Reform and the Attorney General, Ms Jeyarani is seeking orders quashing both the State’s refusal to allow her permission to land in Ireland and the decision to deport her.

Her lawyers told the court there was no proper reason why she could pose a threat to national security, and claimed the actions of the State breached her Constitutional and human rights.

Permission to bring her action was granted yesterday on an ex-parte basis by Mr Justice Gerard Hogan, who adjourned the matter to a date later this month.