Thirty-six Catholic religious congregations in the State have offered 450 rooms in convents, retreat centres, former student accommodation, and houses for Ukrainian refugees.

The Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland, which represents more than 120 religious congregations, is in talks with the Department of Children and the Irish Refugee Council about its offers.

“We also have had offers to teach English and many religious-run schools have already welcomed Ukrainian children,” said David Rose, secretary general of Amri.

Some congregations in the State are also fundraising or sending aid directly to communities on the Ukrainian border, he said: “We are all praying for peace.”