The number of people looking for refugee status in Ireland is declining.
According to figures from the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, 2007 saw the lowest number of requests for asylum since 1997. Last year, an average of 332 people sought refugee status every month which equates to a seven per cent reduction on 2006.
The top six applicant countries were Nigeria, Iraq, China, Pakistan, Georgia and Sudan. Those working with refugees say that it is becoming more difficult for people seeking asylum to enter Europe and Ireland.
Robin Hanan, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, says that while more people are seeking protection across the world, the numbers coming to Europe have dropped.
We often use the term "Fortress Europe"
Between 85 and 90 per cent of refugees in the world are hosted in developing countries.
While the number of unaccompanied children entering the country has also fallen, the Irish Refugee Council says that they are concerned for the welfare of these vulnerable children.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 23 June 2008. The reporter is Gareth O'Connor.
