Asylum seekers face deportation after ruling

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by asylum seekers claiming to have the right to stay in Ireland by virtue of having Irish-born children.

Thousands of refugees now face deportation as a result of the judgement by the seven-judge court.

The judges ruled by a five to two majority against an appeal taken by refugee families.

The case was taken by a Czech family and a Nigerian man, who lost High Court challenges against their deportation last year.

Until now the state had generally granted residency to refugee parents of children born here in Ireland.

But in recent years concerns have grown that the loop-hole in the law was being abused.

Last year over 4,000 non-EU citizens were granted residency on this basis alone.