Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan has denied that the Government gave into protesters' demands in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, by housing women and children in the centre rather than 50 men as planned.
The minister said that male migrants also had human rights that must be addressed and said the Government is not perpetuating a gender divide by prioritising women and families.
"We're also trying to provide certain judgment in terms of certain cases, be it for health or other reasons ... and within that we are also at the same time saying, yes, women and children and families; we try and make sure that they are not put into that very, very difficult position."
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Ryan said there is "huge pressure on the system" given that around 120,000 people have been taken into the country.
He added that people who blockade and burn accommodation are only making the problems more difficult.
The full rigors of the law would be applied to those who break them, he said and echoed comments by the Taoiseach who said that no one has a veto on who can be housed in any location.
Actions needed on people smuggling
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During the interview, Mr Ryan said that appropriate actions should be taken to tackle the problem of people trafficking.
Everything must be done to try and prevent people from being smuggled into countries, given the risk to life that the journeys pose, he said.
Minister Ryan said that while it was impossible to eliminate all people trafficking, everything must be done to try and reduce them.
He expressed his relief that migrants hiding in a refrigerated trailer which arrived at Rosslare Europort on Monday did not die during their journey.
Mr Ryan acknowledged that people undertaking these journeys are desperate, but said "saying Ireland is full is not viable".
"Government is working with communities working across the country so that no one area is overburdened, but shutting the doors, saying Ireland is full is not a viable, correct or appropriate response."
The Government needs to establish large centres where the State can provide facilities rather than relying on private facilities, Mr Ryan said.
A medium to long-term plan for safe planning, that respects local communities is needed, he said.
