Helen McEntee defends claim that 80% of asylum seekers coming from Northern Ireland

Helen McEntee is bringing legislation to Cabinet which will provide for the designation of the UK as a 'safe country' to allow asylum seekers to be returned. File Picture: Niall Carson/PA

The Justice Minister has said she stands by her claim that more than 80% of asylum seekers arriving in the state have come through the UK despite the Tánaiste saying it was not based on evidence, statistics or data.

Helen McEntee is bringing legislation to Cabinet which will provide for the designation of the UK as a “safe country” to allow asylum seekers to be returned.