There has been a marked increase in the number of immigrants using night shelters and food centres, according to the annual report of Crosscare, the Social Care Agency of the Dublin Diocese.
Speaking at the publication of the report this morning, Crosscare director Father Mick Cullen said there had been a significant increase in the number of people from accession countries, such as Poland and Lithuania, using its services.
"We are very concerned at this trend and have commissioned a study, one year after accession, to establish just how these people are faring and the problems they face," he said.
He added: "The ingredients that were present in the 1950s in England for Irish emigrants are present in Ireland. We must ensure the same outcomes will not be repeated. We cannot allow prejudice, injustice, exploitation, hunger, alcoholism and homelessness to be their lot. We must get to grips with it now."
The annual report also identified an increase in the number of people availing of Crosscare's Teen Counselling service.
Ms Mary Forrest, clinical director of Teen Counselling, said the issue of young people presenting with self-harm problems is becoming a more common and serious aspect of adolescent work.
"It is considered a predictor of suicidal tendencies and as such requires considerable clinical time," she said.
Crosscare provides free counselling for teenagers and their families in Dublin, as well as running food centres, Traveller and drug-awareness programmes, and providing support for carers.