The agency dealing with accommodation for asylum seekers is to introduce child-protection training for staff at centres throughout the State. However, it was not aware of any child-protection issues arising from all-male accommodation centres, a statement issued by the Department of Justice said this weekend.
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) also revealed that "a major review" of its accommodation needs was under way, indicating there would be fewer family centres.
The statement is in response to criticism by a school principal in Killarney, Co Kerry, of the agency's decision to redesignate a nearby accommodation centre a male facility.
Linden House, Killarney, a former guesthouse and restaurant, had been used as a family centre with a capacity for 60 earlier this year. Seven of the children were attending the Holy Cross Mercy School opposite the centre until last week, before they were moved from their accommodation.
School principal Ursula Coffey wrote on behalf of management and staff of the school to the agency to express "grave concerns" about the reclassification.
Ms Coffey said the school was concerned on health and safety grounds and also in "the area of child protection, especially in light of recent revelations".
"We are concerned about children who are dropped off early in the morning and who may have to wait after school to be collected."
She said she was not voicing concerns because the males were non-national - any all-male facility would be a cause of concern so near the school which caters mainly for girls.
This weekend in its statement the RIA said it must undertake a review of its accommodation needs as "considerable numbers of asylum seekers have left accommodation having received leave to remain in the State on the basis of having an Irish-born child".
The agency was aware of the disruption caused, but it was incumbent on it to "optimise service provision and value for money".
It said it had recently introduced a child-protection policy at accommodation centres.
The manager at Linden House had undergone the HSE Keeping Safe training, "and plans are in train to extend this training to remaining staff at centres throughout the State".
Local gardaí did not have a problem with the change in profile, and the RIA would continue to liaise with management and staff at Linden House, local support groups and gardaí.