Asylum seekers discouraged by changes to system

REFUGEES are being put off from seeking a safe haven in Ireland following changes in the asylum process that identifies those who have already sought sanctuary in another European country.

Figures released by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) shows just 8.5% of refugees coming to Ireland have already tried to seek asylum in another EU state.

The statistic emerged from an EU fingerprint database that identifies those who have already applied for asylum in another member state.