Major changes could be on the way to Ireland's immigration policy.

It would mean a town's 'last hotel' would not be used to house asylum seekers.

In recent months, there has been an angry reaction in some towns as the main or last hotel has been used to accommodate asylum seekers.

The Government now wants to stop relying on private providers and move towards State owned accommodation for refugees.

The long awaited plan will be brought to Cabinet this morning where Justice Minister Helen McEntee will also propose that Ireland opts into the EU asylum and migration pact.

If approved - it would mean Ireland would have to commit to enhanced screening checks and a legally binding time frame for making decisions on applicants.

Also, on the Cabinet agenda are plans to automatically enrol workers into pension schemes and proposals to ensure student accommodation contracts are confined to the academic year only.

Main image: The D Hotel in Drogheda. Image: D Hotel