Green Minister Roderic O’Gorman has launched a pledge register which will allow people to register accommodation and other services to assist Ukrainian refugees.
It means people looking to help the thousands of Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion can offer their homes to help.
Over 1.5 million people have already escaped the war zone, and with the war refugee numbers predicted to hit anywhere between four and seven million, sanctuary could be required for up to 100,000 Ukranians in Ireland.
The Government has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Irish people coming forward with offers of rooms and homes and this is what has led them to set up the pledge register.
Mr O'Gorman, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has teamed up with the Irish Red Cross (IRC) for the initiative.
The Minister has asked the respected charity, the IRC to establish and manage the IRC Register of Pledges on https://registerofpledges.redcross.ie.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister O’Gorman said: “Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Irish people have been eager to assist the humanitarian efforts in any way they can. “They have been particularly generous in donating funds and supplies and have expressed a desire to offer accommodation to refugees fleeing the conflict.
“Today, with the Irish Red Cross, I am pleased to open a centralised pledge register.
“Funded by my Department, the Irish Red Cross is working with the Irish Government to organise accommodation for Ukrainian refugees expected to arrive in Ireland over the coming days and weeks.
“Although all offers of accommodation are hugely welcome, it’s important that people are aware that not all offers may be called upon in the immediate term.
“In thanking people for coming forward, I would also ask for patience as we scale up what will be an enormous logistical response.”
Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross, Liam O’Dwyer, added: “The Irish Red Cross is keen to ensure that refugees from Ukraine experience a warm welcome from communities throughout Ireland as they recover from the trauma of recent days.”
For more information, visit https://registerofpledges.redcross.ie or www.RedCross.ie/pledge.
