O'Donoghue announces progress with Asylum applications

Considerable progress has been made in the processing times for Asylum applications.

The Minister for Justice, John O' Donoghue, made the announcement today, saying the upturn in the speed of the processing arises from a significant increase in staff.

The Minister says Asylum applications have been processed so fast, that new cases can soon be dealt with.

"By June of this year we will be focusing fully on 2002 cases. We are not at the stage that within six months of arrival he or she can expect a decision on their application. This is in contrast to the previous situation."