The Defence Minister Simon Coveney says Ireland is taking in more refugees that Europe will ask us to, because we want to show our generosity.

The Cabinet signed off on a plan this morning that will see 4,000 refugees re-homed here, plus thousands more family members will be allowed follow suit.

A special cabinet meeting agreed to set up a new Irish Refugee Protection Programme, including special reception centres to process arrivals.

The figure does not include other members of refugees' families who may be brought to Ireland later.

Mr Coveney says the Government wanted to show example in this.

The scheme will cost around €12m per year, for every 1,000 refugees housed in Ireland.

The Tánaiste Joan Burton says in addition to the 4,000 figure, other members of refugees' families may also be brought to Ireland at a later date.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald says it is the first step in trying to deal with the humanitarian crisis facing Europe: "These numbers will arrive in Ireland in the coming weeks sand months".

"This is obviously an issue that has to be dealt with in the short, medium and longer term," she said. 

Ms Fitzgerald said the Cabinet has decided to establish "a network of emergency reception and orientation centres around the country".

It is expected that over 90% of the people will be fast tracked through to refugee status. The first refugees are expected to arrive within weeks.

Family members of refugees are allowed join them, under the family reunification laws. The average number of a family members of previous refugees has been roughly four.