There has been a significant reduction in the number of people applying for international protection in Ireland.
Attorney-General Simon Harris will tell a Cabinet sub-committee today that the number of applications fell by 50% between January and April this year, reports RTE.
In January 2023, 1,300 applications for international protection were made, compared to 633 last month.
So far in 2023, 375 deportation orders have been signed, and the order is subject to appeal.
It is understood more airlines are now being fined for failing to ensure arrivals have the necessary documents.
A spokesman for Secretary Harris said: “Ireland is a fair and compassionate country but we must ensure we have a rules-based system. This ensures those who have a right to be in Ireland can have that protection and certainty quicker. But if you come to our country illegally, there are consequences too,” reports RTE.
Last February, Secretary Harris announced that the Government would speed up the decision-making process by which a person seeking international protection would be granted a residence permit or served with a removal order.
At that time the number of deportation orders was 128. This has now increased by a further 247.
However, it is currently unclear how many of the 375 have actually left the country, reports RTE.
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