Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said Ireland’s rate of population growth was too high. However, the new accommodation charges will not apply to people who have been granted refugee status but remain in State accommodation. A Government source said there will now be a renewed focus on continuing to move these people out of State accommodation. People in receipt of certain social welfare payments within three years of getting protection status will not be eligible to apply for reunification. There will be additional powers to revoke refugee status for someone convicted of a serious crime.
