Ireland may take more migrants, says Joan Burton

Tánaiste Joan Burton has strongly suggested Ireland will take in more migrants than planned due to the escalating situation in the Mediterranean. This contradicts Fine Gael’s position.

The Labour leader confirmed the move is being considered as part of EU-wide measures to cope with up the surge of people fleeing atrocities in their countries as she urged “rich Arab nations” to do their part to house those involved.

Speaking at the weekend, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and European Affairs Minister Dara Murphy — both Fine Gael TDs — played down the prospect of Ireland taking in more than the 600 people over two years which was agreed with the EU, saying this is “almost double” what was initially suggested.