Up to 3,000 asylum seekers prepare to join the workforce

Asylum seekers will soon be allowed to work, but face cuts to their allowances and extra accommodation costs according to their income levels.

The Government has voluntarily agreed to implement an EU directive and a court ruling which will give asylum seekers in the main the same working rights as Irish nationals.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan promised safeguards would be put in place, including work inspectors, to prevent employers taking advantage of vulnerable migrants seeking work.