Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2016
193. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of applicants for asylum by country of origin, by successful and unsuccessful applications by country of origin for all applicants for 2014 and 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3744/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that detailed annual statistics in respect of the information requested by the Deputy for 2014 is published in the annual report of the Office of the Refugee Information Commissioner (ORAC). This information is available on the ORAC website www.orac.ie. While the data for 2015 is not yet finalised, similar information up to the end of November 2015 is also available on the website.
There was a 126% increase in asylum applications in 2015 compared to 2014.
There has been a marked increase in the number of applications from countries in southern Asia, in particular from Pakistan and Bangladesh over the 2 year period. I am concerned about this trend and potential abuses of the Common Travel Area.
