There were 95,000 visa applications made here last year - a 14% increase since 2011.

The Department of Justice says the top nationalities applying for visas were India at 16%, Russia at 15%, and China at 11%.

Department of Justice figures show there were 97,000 new or renewed registrations for permission to remain in Ireland last year, a further 95,000 new visa applications were made, with 91% of those approved.

Over 30,000 applications for Irish citizenship were also decided last year with 18 citizenship ceremonies held during 2013.

Departures 

Almost 2,250 people were deported or removed from the State last year.

Provisional figures show 425 people chose to leave voluntarily rather than be issued with a deportation order.

Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, has confirmed that 12% of the population - or 544,000 people - are now non-Irish.