Asylum seeker arrivals hit 20-year high last month

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said there had not been a 'clampdown on immigration', but a 'crackdown on illegal migration'. Picture: PA

The number of asylum seekers who arrived in the State in January hit a new monthly record not seen in over 20 years.

A total of 1,774 people seeking international protection came to the country last month with officials in the Department of Justice confirming that it is the highest monthly figure since 2001 and 2002. This compares to 1,464 people in November and 1,427 in December last year.