Irish Red Cross starting database of offers for refugees coming to Ireland

The Irish Red Cross is setting up a database to log offers of goods, accommodation and services to refugees who are coming here.

The Government has pledged to take in up to 4,000 refugees over the next two years.

The "Register of Pledges" will log offers made to the Irish Red Cross and other organisations.

Head of International Services with the Irish Red Cross John Roche says the system will help the Government channel the help to those who need it.

He said: "We're quite overwhelmed with the level, I mean people are offering their homes, holiday homes and all sorts of stuff.

"Because we have time this has to be organised, what this registration will do is we'll be able to match and plan properly with the relevant authorities and this will be done in an organised fashion."