Twice as many Irish granted residency in Australia

The number of Irish people being granted permanent residency in Australia has almost doubled since last year, according to figures from the country's Immigration Department.

The figures show that the number of Irish people applying for working visas in Australia has increased by one-third over the same period.

The news comes amid concerns that some Irish people heading to Australia are being ripped off by unregistered immigration agents who promise to help with their applications.