There are concerns some hotels will not renew their agreements to house Ukrainian refugees as the busy summer season approaches.

Cabinet today heard that some Government contracts with hotels are due to expire over the Easter break.

Efforts are ongoing to renew the agreements; however, there is no guarantee the talks will be successful.

Ministers were told that 90% to 95% of the refugees that arrive in the coming weeks and months will be housed in emergency accommodation – including on camp beds in community halls, convents, army barracks and other public buildings.

Emergency accommodation in this case being camp beds in parish halls, the housing in Gormanston army camp etc.

— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) April 13, 2022

Nearly 23,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Ireland since the Russian invasion began and Cabinet was told that number will rise to between 26,000 and 32,000 by this weekend.

Around 500 people are arriving every day on average – with more than 80% in need of accommodation.

Meanwhile, Ministers were told that around half the people who pledged accommodation at the start of the war are expected to withdraw their offer or turn out to be uncontactable.

Just over half of the 24,000 pledges have been contacted so far – with the call-out set to be completed by the end of the week.

Cabinet also heard that 670 schools have now enrolled children and young people from Ukraine.