The Government has identified 26 locations that will house the 4,000 refugees Ireland has agreed to take in.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said that 90 areas were identified as potential sites, with just 26 being deemed suitable by the department.

So far 129 refugees have arrived here this year from Lebanon and Jordan, with a further 62 from Syria due to arrive before the end of the year.

The minister has met with a number of different departments to prepare for the arrival of thousands of refugees.

When the refugees arrive they will stay at a reception centre for eight to ten weeks where they will learn some basic English and skills such as how to use euros before being moved to their permanent homes.