The Minister for Justice has warned of "serious consequences" after a fire at a building accommodating people applying for International Protection.
Four children, including a baby, were among five people rescued from the top floor of an IPAS centre in Drogheda last night, after fireworks were thrown into the building causing a fire.
Gardaí say that all aspects of the fire are being examined and arson has not been ruled out.
A number of people were brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda following the incident, but it is understood that none had serious injuries.
A total of 28 people were living at the centre at the time of the blaze.
Drogheda resident: How can anyone just be so cruel?
In a statement, Minister Jim O'Callaghan described the incident as a "terrifying ordeal for the women and children living there, a number of whom were taken to hospital".
"Alternative accommodation is now being sourced for the residents affected," he said.
"A full garda investigation into this arson attack is under way. There will be serious consequences for those responsible."
Three fire tenders dealt with the fire, which caused minor damage, and remained at the scene for two hours.
Gardaí are carrying out a technical examination of the scene today, the results of which will determine the course of their investigation.
They have appealed to anyone with information to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 9874200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
'Repugnant to values of vast majority of Irish people'
The Taoiseach has condemned the incident and said his thoughts were first of all with the families and the children in particular.
Speaking in Cork, Micheál Martin said the Government was concerned about the wider increase in violence and assaults on people because of their ethnicity and background.
He said it was unacceptable in Ireland and repugnant to the values of the vast majority of Irish people.
Sinn Féin spokesmen on Justice Matt Carthy said that those involved in the incident must be held to account.
Deputy Carthy said that there could be no justification for the "appalling actions that put the lives of those living in the centre at risk".
"This was clearly a very frightening ordeal for those impacted. I want to commend the Fire Service for rescuing people, including small children, from this fire and preventing lives from being lost," he said.
Local resident Kirsty Millne, who has been living in Drogheda for around 37 years, said "no one deserves to be treated like that".
"Poor families. The kids. How can anyone just be so cruel? It's very sad," she said.
"Everyone deserves to have a safe home, no matter what country you come from."
Mayor of Drogheda Cllr Michelle Hall also condemned the attack.
"Obviously we feel the frustration of everybody, but that doesn't mean that we target vulnerable people in our society. Irish people are known for compassion. We were welcomed in other countries," she said.
"We have to understand that we extend the hand of friendship as well and we can be angry with the system but we shouldn't be targeting the people," she added.
Additional reporting Teresa Mannion
