Almost half the asylum-seekers who arrived in the State since last April are no longer living in their allocated accommodation and have effectively vanished from official records.
Out of some 5,500 people offered accommodation around the State in the past six months, about 2,300 have either never taken up their places, or have left them, The Irish Times has learned.
Government officials presume some may have left the Republic, while others are living in the capital. By voluntarily leaving their allocated accommodation, these people have forfeited their entitlements to State benefits.
Some Government officials are concerned these asylum-seekers could face future problems as they may be reluctant to seek medical treatment because they fear being identified.
Since last April, newly arrived asylum-seekers have been accommodated for a few weeks in reception centres in Dublin before being dispersed around the State. The mandatory dispersal programme was aimed at alleviating accommodation shortages in the capital.
Dispersed asylum-seekers are allocated places in hostels and hotels on a full-board basis, with meals and laundry services provided. Under this "direct provision" system, they receive "comfort money" of £15 per week per adult and £7.50 per child.
In addition to some 2,300 asylum-seekers who have either left or failed to avail of their allocated accommodation, about 500 people have been transferred from the direct provision system to the standard social welfare system where they are entitled to Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) of £72 per week.
Community Welfare Officers can transfer asylum-seekers to SWA if they are pregnant, have children or other special needs. Asylum-seekers in receipt of SWA can also claim rent supplement for private accommodation.
Before the introduction of the mandatory dispersal programme, all asylum-seekers were free to remain in Dublin, were paid SWA, and could claim rent supplement. The system of direct provision has been criticised by refugee lobby groups. Asylum-seekers continue to arrive in the State at a rate of between 700 and 1,000 per month.