17.12.2025 08:01
Ireland, which has received a high number of applications from Turkey, aims to reduce asylum applications due to concerns about "disruption of social cohesion." Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan stated that the government aims to decrease the number of asylum applications in the country, emphasizing that priority should be given to those fleeing war and persecution.
Ireland's Minister of Justice Jim O'Callaghan stated that the government aims to reduce the number of asylum applications in the country, noting that the current figures could pose a risk of "social cohesion breakdown."
"THE NUMBER IS EXTREMELY HIGH"
Minister O'Callaghan, in a statement on The Irish Times' podcast "Inside Politics," recalled that approximately 18,500 asylum seekers are expected to arrive in Ireland in 2024, saying that this number is "extremely high" and needs to be reduced.
"TOO MANY TENTS CREATE A BAD IMPRESSION"
O'Callaghan noted that if the current situation continues, there will be significant pressure on housing and public services, adding that seeing more tents on the streets could create the impression that the government is unable to control the process.
"THOSE FLEEING WAR AND PERSECUTION SHOULD BE A PRIORITY"
Avoiding to specify a clear number for asylum applications, O'Callaghan emphasized that the asylum system should primarily operate for those fleeing war and persecution. The Irish Minister stated that there are different and legal application pathways for those wishing to come to the country for work.
Minister O'Callaghan also mentioned that the number of foreign students coming to Ireland for English language education could be reviewed. He noted that approximately 60,000 foreign students entered the country for this purpose last year, pointing out that the system is sometimes used for work purposes as well. Reminding that Ireland's population has increased by about 1.6% annually, O'Callaghan highlighted that this rate of increase has put significant pressure on housing and public services.