Up to 500 people in Moldova who have recently fled Ukraine will soon travel to Ireland, the Cabinet agreed at a virtual meeting this afternoon.
The decision was taken in light of the extreme pressures faced by Moldova.
Today's discussions focused on ramping-up the humanitarian response to quickly provide accommodation and other essential supports for people from Ukraine seeking refuge in Ireland.
Preparations are under way to provide accommodation in hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, rooms and homes pledged by the public, State-owned or private properties that may be suitable, religious properties, and local authority facilities.
Ministers heard that the Department of Foreign Affairs remains in ongoing contact with Irish citizens registered in Ukraine.
Given the current circumstances there, they are advised to shelter in a secure place, and only to consider leaving the country if they judge it safe to do so.
Around a third of those who have travelled to Ireland from Ukraine are school-going age.
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Work is ongoing at the Department of Education and within the Teaching Council to quickly recognise the qualifications of teachers from Ukraine who come to Ireland.
The Government believes these teachers will play a key part in helping Ukrainian students adjust to life in the Irish education system.
Cabinet over / Ireland to take 600 Ukranian Refugees from Moldova pic.twitter.com/LWa6FyROEA
— seanwhelanRTE (@seanwhelanRTE) March 15, 2022
The Taoiseach has said that the free world is doing everything it can to help Ukraine within the limits of being very anxious not to provoke a third World War.
Speaking on RTÉ's Six One News from Washington DC, Micheál Martin said that the sanctions imposed are the severest sanctions every deployed in a situation like this and they are having an impact.
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He said there will be further sanctions announced, but they are up against someone who believes he has the right to attack people and annex a country because of some historic view he has of the world.
Mr Martin said the Government wants to do everything it possibly can to support the Ukrainian people on all fronts, but also make sure they do not endanger others as well.
He said he will do whatever is necessary to show Ireland’s support for the people of Ukraine and those on the borders.
Asked by @mcculld 'Is the world doing enough?' to help #Ukraine as #Russia invades, @MichealMartinTD tells RTÉ's Six One News: 'The world is doing everything it possibly can ... within the limits of being very anxious not to provoke a third World War' | https://t.co/CfS79fRdXZ pic.twitter.com/Xrb6jCMNFV
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 15, 2022
During today's virtual meeting, the Cabinet considered several challenges facing Ireland's and Europe's economies, particularly rising energy costs.
It will continue to examine what measures may be taken to manage both energy supply and price rises, but no further interventions were agreed today.
Concern was expressed over the significant retail price increases announced by Bord Gáis Energy and the impact this will have on low-income households.
The Taoiseach and most members of the Cabinet are out of the country to attend events internationally marking St Patrick's Day.
The meeting, which was chaired by the Taoiseach, was not planned when Cabinet last met, but was scheduled due to the unfolding situation in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar will convene the Enterprise Forum tomorrow to hear how the war in Ukraine is affecting businesses in terms of energy costs and disruption to supply chains.
The group comprises bodies representing small to large businesses, retail, food supply, manufacturing, and foreign direct investment.
The decision to convene the group was made after today's Cabinet meeting.
The Enterprise Forum has previously been used to engage with businesses on Brexit and Covid-19 issues.
Additional reporting Tommy Meskill
