The move was agreed by ministers last Tuesday because of an increase in the number of non-EU nationals presenting as homeless, the Sunday Independent reports.

However, Dublin-based immigration solicitor Wendy Lyon told Irish Legal News that the planned diversion of Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) resources is “appalling”.

According to a Department of Housing spokesperson, an immigration official will be based out of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) offices “on a pilot basis to assist with evaluating the status of households presenting to homeless services”.

The spokesperson added: “It should be noted that many non-Irish nationals presenting to homeless services will be entitled to housing supports and improved communications will reduce the time frequently involved in clarifying the entitlement of these households to housing supports.”

Commenting, Ms Lyon said: “At a time when many applicants to INIS are waiting a year or more for a decision on their application, it’s appalling that INIS is diverting resources to policing the immigration status of migrants in need of emergency housing.”