The number of people seeking international protection in Ireland in the first three months of this year has risen by more than 2,000 compared to the same time last year.
Figures from the Department of Justice show 5,163 people applied for international protection up to 28 March.
This represents a rise of 2,170, or 72%, from the same period of time last year when 2,993 applications were made by 28 March 2023.
More than one third of those who have applied for international protection so far this year are from Nigeria (1,668) while 416 are from Bangladesh, 400 from Pakistan, 365 from Somalia and 243 from Afghanistan.
More than 45 other nationalities are also included in the figures.
The total number of applicants for international protection last year was 13,277.
The increased figures are "putting pressure on the system, there's no two ways about it", said Minister for Agriculture, Food, and Marine Charlie McConalogue.
It is "well documented" that the increased numbers of refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Ireland in recent times "has become more challenging in terms of capacity," the minister added.
"We will have to monitor the situation as it goes.
"We also have to make sure that the system is as efficient as possible in relation to processing those applications that come in... so people get quick answers... and that then puts less pressure on the temporary accommodation system."
Ireland has "stepped up remarkably well", Mr McConalogue said. "In a way that would have been very hard for anyone to predict that you'd have been able to do and it's something we're going to continue to monitor and live up to our responsibilities."
