Number of asylum seekers drops by almost 50%

The number of asylum seekers arriving in Ireland has dropped by almost half in the last three years.

Figures from the Irish Refugee Council show that almost 8,000 people applied for refugee status in 2003, compared to just over 4,000 this year.

However, the head of the council says despite some improvements in the treatment of asylum seekers, Ireland has not achieved any real integration with our migrant communities.

“If we want to move onto the next phase, then we have got make sure that people that who are in the country legally, and are staying here and are entitled to work, are encouraged to work,” said Peter O'Mahony.