Asylum applications fall to lowest level in 10 years

The number of people seeking asylum status in Ireland has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, according to the latest annual report from the Refugee Applications Commissioner.

The report says asylum applications in 2007 were down 7% compared to 2006.

Elsewhere, the number of asylum seekers requesting judicial reviews of decisions made in their case was up almost 90%.

Four hundred and forty applicants sought reviews last year, compared with 233 in 2006.