Comment: We have not been found wanting in our willingness to help

The mobilisation of the people of Meath to help those fleeing the horrors of Russian bombardment and atrocities is truly remarkable and something of an antidote to the awful images and stories coming out of Ukraine.

Communities across the county have scrambled to organise and coordinate the collection and distribution of tonnes of humanitarian aid as well as set up supply chains of necessities for refugees when they arrive here.

Justyna Boland's appeal in Navan saw her gather more than 400 cartons of goods - with the help of Meath Civil Defence - including medical supplies, personal care items, children's nappies, food and clothing. That precious cargo will leave for Poland today (Tuesday).

Renata Box, a Polish woman who lives in Trim is collecting supplies that will be delivered to Tuchow in Southern Poland, where refugees are arriving from Ukraine while Anna Stojek in Laytown is part of a wider group, formed in Cavan collecting supplies for the people of Ukraine.

Just some examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help at this most harrowing of times for the Ukrainian people.

If affirmation was ever needed of just how generous and empathetic the Irish people are, we have seen it in (real) truck loads in these last few days.

However, an even bigger ask of the Irish people awaits, that of finding the space and sanctuary for the thousands of Ukrainian people, predominantly women and children at first, who will come to seek refuge in Ireland.

The Government has announced a pledge register which will enable the public to give support to Ukrainian refugees.

The online portal, run in conjunction with the Red Cross, will include offers of accommodation. These are some handy question and answers.

Where do I register to accommodate Ukrainian refugees?

Go on to the Irish Red Cross website on IrishRedCross.ie and look for the register of pledges. The direct link to the register is https://registerofpledges.redcross.ie

What happens after I register?

Operators working on behalf of Red Cross will contact you in the coming weeks asking for further details, to get a sense of what is on offer, and they will explain some of the scenarios that may arise.

What kind of detail will they be seeking?

They will be looking for information about the property. Is it shared? Is there a spare bedroom? Is there an en suite? Is it a "stand alone" house. Where is the house? Is there access to public transport? Is there a family living in the house?

Will someone want to see the property?

Prospective accommodation will be vetted in the main by the Red Cross. Someone will call to make sure it is what you have described.

Do Ukrainian people get any say regarding where they live?

The Irish Red Cross is also setting up a website for the Ukrainian people to register their interest. The accommodation pledger is then matched with the refugee.

How long should I expect to host those I have pledged to accommodate?

A commitment of six months to a year will be sought. However, in the current environment the Red Cross says many Ukrainians want to come for a shorter period and then go back home. While the Irish Red Cross says it will talk to people about a shorter period, the initial pledge is for six months to one year.

Who covers the cost?

Most people pledge free gratis. However, there are times where the Red Cross "steps in" if households need to be supported. In this situation, it says that will be shared between the Government and the Irish Red Cross.

Can I contact the Red Cross after I have accommodated people?

The Irish Red Cross says it is there to offer guidance and support. They want refugees to settle as best they can and to support the pledger. It says previous initiatives have shown "extraordinary relationships" developed with Irish families.

What does the term stand-alone pledge mean?

A stand-alone pledge is where you pledge a house, or you pledge an apartment. A refugee family will typically live there by themselves.

What is a shared pledge?

A shared pledge is where there is one room available, preferably with an en suite room and you are offering it for a period. In this case, you are inviting people to your home.

Has a register of pledges ever been created before?

There was a register of pledges when Syrians came to Ireland, but it took a long time for the Red Cross to contact people on the ground which frustrated those that were interested in helping. The Red Cross says it has learned lessons from the past and this will enable the current register to work.