A new book on asylum seekers in Ireland aims to throw "new light" on a debate that has been "fraught with misunderstanding and generalities", according to its authors.
Sanctuary in Ireland: Perspectives on Asylum Law and Policy, published by the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), focuses on the challenges posed by the increase in the numbers of people seeking asylum here in recent years.
It examines the evolution of international law relating to asylum seekers and refugees as well as developments at EU level and the central role of EU decision makers.
Other chapters in the book take a critical look at the use of "accelerated procedures" in processing asylum claims and the fairness and legality of the current system and on whether the necessary safeguards are in place to prevent those in danger being sent back to their country of origin.
Since so-called direct provision was introduced in 2001, the Reception and Integration Agency has provided accommodation for around 30,000 asylum seekers. They do not receive social welfare payments, but instead get their accommodation and meals at allocated centres and are paid a weekly sum of €19.
Just 39 people claimed asylum in Ireland in 1992. The figure rose to 11,634 in 2002.
The book is edited by Colin Harvey and Ursula Fraser, who both also contribute chapters. Dr Maurice Manning, president of the Human Rights Commission, will speak at an event marking its publication this evening.