22 families from Syria resettled in Ireland today

Twenty-two Syrian families are due to arrive in Ireland today under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP).

One hundred and five people were resettled in Ireland today including 58 children.

Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan welcomed the arrival of the families, who had been living in the UNHCR refugee camp in Lebanon since fleeing the conflict in Syria.

Their first residence will be in the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre at Ballaghaderreen in Roscommon, and after some time there, they will move to more permanent housing in communities across the country.

Minister Flanagan said in a statement today: "During this festive period, as we enjoy spending time with our own families, it is important to remember that many families across the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes by war and protracted crises. Under our national resettlement programme, working closely with the UNHCR, we prioritise those who are most vulnerable and provide a durable solution to enable them to rebuild their lives in safety and security, here in Ireland. The families that have arrived today are very welcome. They will now have time to rest and recover and to focus on their future in their new home.”

Last week 97 other people were resttled in Ireland, and today's arrival brings the total to 202 people including 109 children who have been settled in Ireland under the programme during December.

The majority of the 97 moved to Mosney, Co Meath while some have been accommodated in Clonea, Co Waterford.