New measures to speed up deportations

Government measures aimed at speeding up certain asylum claims and deportations are due to come into force tomorrow.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell said the measures would lead to a reduction in the timescale for processing asylum claims, speedier outcomes at the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and speedier processing of deportation orders.

The measures only apply to people from Nigeria, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and South Africa, which account for almost half of all asylum applications in Ireland.

These five countries have already signed special agreements with Ireland designed to make it easier for the Irish Government to deport their citizens.

Mr McDowell said around 93% of asylum applicants from these countries are found not to be refugees.