The Government has said that it may not be able to provide emergency accommodation to international protection applicants this weekend due to a severe shortage.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has said that Ireland is currently accommodating more than 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants.
This includes over 74,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and over 25,500 IPAs currently in International Protection Accommodation Service accommodation.
The Department's response has now "entered an extremely difficult phase" with "insufficient" accommodation available across the country, the department said.
It said, as a result, accommodation may not be provided to all International Protection applicants this weekend.
"Various issues beyond the control of the department have resulted in offers not being progressed, and accommodation not contracted, swiftly enough to meet the demand," the department said.
"Intensive efforts are being undertaken daily by staff to source emergency accommodation."
Drop-in day services will be made available to International Protection applicants who do not get accommodation.
The drop-in services will include access to facilities such as hot showers, meals and laundry services, the department said.
Those affected will also be able to receive tents and sleeping bags where required.
The department said it is working closely with the HSE to ensure health services are also provided to those in need and during the unaccommodated period.
Applicants will be assessed for significant vulnerabilities and health issues and will be prioritised for accommodation accordingly.
Plans to make wider changes to the accommodation system for refugees and asylum seeks are expected to go to the Government before Christmas.
