Numbers entering direct provision double

The number of new asylum seekers entering into direction provision more than doubled last year, according to the Reception and Integration Agency. A total of 2,828 new asylum applicants were provided with accommodation — 1,687 more than in 2014.

The agency said 2015 was marked by a large increase in the number of single males seeking asylum and entering the direct provision system. Last year, the overall numbers housed in direct provision centres rose from 4,364 to 4,696 at a cost of €57m — up 4.7% on 2014.

Since the introduction of direct provision in 1999, over 55,870 have been accommodated by the agency at 35 centres around the country.