A number of Syrian refugee families have arrived in Co Meath.
They are here as part of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP).
The 50 refugees will be resettled after they were met by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan at the Mosney accommodation centre.
Minister Flanagan said: "I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet with the families today.
"Their experiences over the last few years as they were forced to flee their homes have been traumatic and their stories are harrowing and deeply moving.
"Their long journey to find safety and sanctuary is now over and I know that the people of Ireland will welcome them with open arms and the offer of friendship and support."
The families had been living in a UNHCR refugee camp in Lebanon and were interviewed earlier this year by officials from the Department of Justice, as part of a selection mission for the resettlement strand of the IRPP.
Pleased to welcome Syrian refugee families forced to flee their homes. Their stories are harrowing & deeply moving. Their long journey to find safety & sanctuary is now over. We offer welcome, friendship & support. pic.twitter.com/0C48X9y0U7
— Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) December 30, 2019
The families had their refugee status assessed by UNHCR in Lebanon - ensuring that they have refugee status on arrival and can immediately be offered integration measures, including English language and orientation classes.
They will initially reside in the Mosney centre, before being settled across the country.
Earlier this month, Minister Flanagan and Minister of State David Stanton announced that Ireland will take up to 2,900 refugees between 2020 and 2023.
This is to be done through a combination of resettlement and community sponsorship in a second phase of the IRPP.
The IRPP was established as a part of Ireland's response to the global humanitarian migration crisis.
It committed Ireland to accept 4,000 people under various strands - including the EU Relocation Mechanism and UNHCR-led Resettlement Programme.
As of December 2019, 3,206 persons have arrived under the IRPP - including the 50 refugees who arrived on Monday.
