Difficulties have emerged regarding accommodation costs for a number of Ukrainian children, who were brought to Ireland by a Mayo-based charity last month.
The Candle of Grace charity evacuated more than 90 children from the Chernobyl area in early May.
Irish authorities were unaware of the plan until the group landed at Dublin Airport.
The child and family agency Tusla processed their arrivals over a number of hours and they continued their onward journey to Mayo.
Since then, the children have been housed in hotels and B&Bs around the county.
But the Department of Children and Integration has told Mayo County Council that any accommodation arrangements made by the charity, or by the local authority, are not covered by its procurement rules. As a result, the department will not cover any associated costs.
In a statement this evening, the department said that accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection is provided according to specific terms, rates and conditions and for an agreed length of time.
Any accommodation procured outside these terms is not funded by the department.
While a small number of the children who fled Ukraine have been placed with approved host families, the majority are still being put up in B&Bs.
It is understood accommodation costs are running into thousands of euro per week.
The founder of Candle of Grace, Lily Luzan, said she has contacted the parents of almost 60 unaccompanied minors who travelled here, to alert them about the latest developments.
The charity was criticised for bringing such a large number of unaccompanied children into Ireland without any prior warning to State agencies here.
It is understood that authorities were assured that accommodation arrangements were in place for all children before they left Dublin Airport. Ms Luzan says there have been delays in securing garda vetting and Tusla clearance for prospective host families.
She said the children, aged between two-years-old and 17-years-old, were unaware of the latest difficulties.
At the time of the group's arrival here, Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman said it was essential that anyone bringing people to Ireland alerted authorities about their plans. He said it was crucial that relevant statutory agencies were notified in advance of any refugees landing here.
Since then, a number of agencies have emphasised the need for vigilance regarding the transit of children from areas of conflict.
This evening, all children brought to Mayo remain in the various temporary accommodation they have been placed in.
