A 'comprehensive programme' of COVID-19 testing is to be rolled out at all Direct Provision centres across the country from tomorrow.
The Department of Justice and HSE say it'll help to identify and isolate cases quickly and will help them decide if extra supports are needed.
Testing is voluntary and free, and each resident and staff member will be offered a test.
Neither a refusal to take part nor a positive result will affect a person's status or application for international protection.
Officials are also pledging that they'll only comment on cases or outbreaks if there's a public health reason to do so.
In a statement, the Department and HSE said: "We strongly encourage all residents and staff to participate to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe from coronavirus.
"Each resident and staff member will be offered a test. Children aged under 5 years and people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 will not be tested."
Figures released earlier this week showed there have been 292 cases of COVID-19 in direct provision centres.
