Over 650 new beds have been made available to asylum seekers in Direct Provision to prevent the spread of Covid-19 within the centres.
They will be located in Cork, Dublin and Galway and will supplement the facilities already in use across the country - with older people moved to allow them cocoon and self-isolate.
Over 5,500 people are in the country's 39 centres, including 1,700 children - awaiting asylum.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan says it is important they are protected.
"There is a suite of measures that we have undertaken to ensure that our most vulnerable are protected.
"Those in direct provision are anxious, it's a worrying time for everybody across society."
