International protection applications could pass new annual record of 20,000

Justice Minister Helen McEntee told Cabinet colleagues of the revised projection after the 15,496 applications received by the end of Q3

Helen McEntee told fellow ministers she had taken a number of steps to address the surge in international protection applications including suspending visa-free travel to Ireland for some refugees. Picture: PA

There may be 20,000 applications for international protection this year, the justice minister has told Cabinet colleagues.

Helen McEntee updated ministers on Wednesday on the work of her department in handling applications from those seeking international protection (IP).