Ireland under pressure to help more with migrant crisis

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is under pressure to offer practical help at today’s emergency EU summit dealing with the tragedy of migrants dying in the Mediterranean trying to reach Europe.

Ireland has taken 200 Syrian refugees from among the thousands who have been fleeing the civil war in their country, but EU leaders will discuss a much more comprehensive approach this evening.

Much of the emphasis is on preventing migrants — mostly fleeing from war and poverty — coming to Europe in the first place and ships, planes and personnel will be requested to beef up the two relatively small missions in the region.