The Irish Refugee Council has rejected as a "speculative assumption" a claim that the increased numbers of asylum seekers arriving in Ireland during July and August was due to the Government decision to allow them to work.
Figures released by the Department of Justice show that 962 asylum seekers arrived here last month and 571 in July. To date this year 3,508 people have applied for asylum, compared to 4,626 during the whole of last year.
Only two people have been granted asylum this year; 100 applications have been withdrawn and 85 have been refused. The Department of Justice has almost 6,800 cases on hand.
Mr Derek Stewart, spokesperson for the Irish Refugee Council, said it was speculation to link the announcement that asylum seekers had the right to work here with the numbers arriving.
