Pope Francis is to meet members of the Naval Service when he visits in August so he can acknowledge their role in saving thousands of migrants from drowning in the Mediterranean Sea.

Irish soldiers could be deployed in war-torn Syria before the end of the year, even though the country has become the centre of a new Cold War-era battle between Russia, the US, Britain, France, and their proxy allies.

Defence Minster Simon Coveney has voiced concerns about mortar bombs being launched into the Golan Heights where Irish peacekeeping troops are stationed.

Irish troops have withdrawn from a series of posts on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights in the last two days.