100 Mr. E. Walsh asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who have sought asylum in Ireland in 1995 and 1996; the number of asylum seekers currently in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10118/97]

There were 424 applications for asylum in 1995 and 1,179 in 1996. As of 31 March 1997 my Department's records show that there were 1,700 asylum seekers in the country awaiting a final determination of their applications.