Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government is not contemplating a cap on the number of Ukrainian refugees arriving into Ireland.

He was speaking after he met Ukrainians staying at the Green Glens arena in Millstreet in Cork, and they expressed their gratitude for the kindness of the Irish people for the sense of peace and security offered to them.

At least 70 refugees are being housed at the arena, with the expectation that mass or emergency forms of accommodation will play a more central role in Irish efforts to welcome those fleeing the war.

Mr Martin said Ireland's efforts were part of a Europe-wide response to the crisis, and while the country is not a military power, it can offer humanitarian assistance to protect women, children and vulnerable people.

He said Ireland’s response is still in the emergency stage, and it must be across all Government departments and agencies to ensure optimal co-ordination of the crisis.

It cannot be left to just one agency alone, he added.

Earlier this week, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee had also said no cap would be put in place, despite the Government admitting it faces a struggle to house those arriving.

More than 25,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived into Ireland since the war in Ukraine began at the end of February.

Under plans being discussed by Government, households are expected to be paid up to €400 a month to help with the costs of housing Ukrainian refugees.

Discussions have taken place between the secretaries general of a number of Government departments and its understood that a figure of "up to €400" is being proposed.

The proposed payment, which could be announced this coming week, would aim to cover costs such as extra utilities bills, associated with housing those fleeing the war.

It would also act as an incentive to boost the number of accommodation places available for the number of refugees arriving in Ireland.