The State spent over €175 million on Direct Provision accommodation last year.
According to Freedom of Information documents released to Newstalk, it's an increase of nearly 36% on 2019.
5,275 asylum seekers and refugees are living in Direct Provision centres at the moment.
They're based in 46 different facilities throughout the country - with 673 people living in a centre in Mosney, Co Meath.
The next biggest is in Athlone, Co Westmeath, which has 246 residents.
The Department of Integration says the total cost of Direct Provision accommodation last year was over €175 million.
That compares to €129 million in 2019 and €78 million the previous year.
Bulelani Mfaco from the Movement of Asylum Seekers (MASI) says the system is appalling.
He said: "The Government's own advisory group found that treating asylum seekers like Irish nationals in terms of providing accommodation, healthcare and welfare is actually cheaper than the system of direct provision."
In February, the Government announced plans to phase out direct provision - with all centres due to close and a new system put in place by 2024.
There's a pledge that the new system will offer a not-for-profit service, giving international protection applicants 'greater support and greater autonomy'.
Nick Henderson from the Irish Refugee Council says the move towards ending the current system is very welcome.
However, he said his organisation is concerned there hasn't been enough movement yet in terms of meeting the 2024 deadline for having the replacement system in place.
