An severe shortage of accommodation for those seeking asylum here must be addressed before the end of the week, the Cabinet has heard.
Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman updated the Government about the urgent situation.
A spokesperson for the Minister said that right now Ireland is 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.
"In recent months, it has become increasingly challenging to open new accommodation for those seeking International Protection, particularly male applicants," the spokesperson said.
"As a result of this, the Department is facing the real possibility of a shortfall in accommodation in the coming days. Officials are continuing to work at maximising the use of available accommodation," they added.
It is understood there is a view within the coalition that additional accommodation will have to be found quickly.
There are fears for safety if people are left with no option but to stay on the streets.
A severe shortage of accommodation for those seeking asylum must be addressed before the end of the week, the Cabinet was told.
Plans to make wider changes to the accommodation system for refugees and asylum seeks are expected to go to Government before Christmas.
Tánaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin has confirmed the Government is "very conscious of the pressure" on the system.
Speaking to reporters at a British Irish Inter-government Conference at Farmleigh House in Dublin, Mr Martin said the reality is "the numbers have grown not just in Ireland but across all of Europe".
He said Minister O'Gorman "has advised looking at measures to ensure we don't get into that situation next week".
He added that "there are challenges" and that the reality is "we have to find the accommodation to deal with that".
Asked what would happen if this extra accommodation is not found he said that "we've had situations like this last year" before again acknowledging concerns.
