Asylum applications set to fall to 10-year low
The number of asylum seekers coming into Ireland this year is reportedly set to fall to a 10-year low.
Reports this morning say the latest figures from the Department of Justice show that 2,744 asylum applications had been lodged in the first eight months of this year, down 5% on the figures for the same period last year.
Just 278 new asylum applications were lodged in June, the lowest number since February 1999.
If this trend continues for the remainder of the year, the annual total for 2006 looks set to fall to 1997 levels, when 3,883 asylum seekers entered the State.
The fall in applications is being put down to the Government's tightening of the asylum process in recent years, including the 2004 citizenship referendum.
Yesterday, Minister for Justice Michael McDowell announced measures to further tighten the situation surrounding immigrants and asylum seekers.
The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill published by the minister will force all non-EU nationals to carry biometric identity cards known as residence permits.
It will also allow for the summary deportation of any non-EU nationals who commit a range of criminal offences, including traffic offences.
