Government is looking at boosting the €400 payment to families hosting refugees but is also seeking to control the influx of migrants into Ireland

The day after Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address to the Oireachtas, ambassador Larysa Gerasko paid a visit to Cork civic leaders

Speaking in Cork, Larysa Gerasko said additional supports such as English language classes, help finding a GP and securing school places for children would make life here 'a little bit easier' for 'new arrivals'

"Thank you for your generosity, for your kindness, and for your will to help our people," said Larysa Gerasko.

Larysa Gerasko says her parents are prepared to die rather than leave the country they love

The appearance of ambassador Larysa Gerasko before the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee comes after days of warnings that a Russian invasion of Ukraine may be imminent.