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By Chinedu Onyejelem

More than 5,000 asylum seekers have had their applications refused in Ireland since 2015, according to the Department of Justice.

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said the total of 5,367 rejections comprises 1,074 in 2015, 985 in 2017 and 1,139 as of June this year, while 2016 saw the biggest number of refusals at 2,169.

The latest figures were confirmed by the minister in response to a recent Dáil question from Fianna Fáil TD Fiona O’Loughlin, who also requested the number of deportations that resulted from asylum refusals. 

Minister Flanagan said 1,425 deportation orders have been signed since 2015, which includes 16 in the first half of 2018. 
However, the minister added that less than half of these orders (682) have been effected.

The minister also explained the difference between programme refugees and those under subsidiary protection, who are not refugees but “face a real risk of suffering serious harm if returned to their own country.

“There is a rigorous and fair consideration of asylum applications in accordance with the International Protection Act 2015 and in accordance with EU and International law,” Minister Flanagan said. 

“However, after due process including the appeal process, some applicants are deemed not to qualify for international protection (or humanitarian leave to remain) and accordingly are issued with a deportation order.”