Taoiseach praises Defence Forces for work in Mediterranean

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has praised the work of the Defence Forces after revealing that the army and navy have saved the lives of 15,600 refugees since the Mediterranean migrant crisis began.

Mr Kenny awarded the representatives of the Defence Forces with the group European of the Year Award at a European Movement Ireland award in Dublin.

Speaking as Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone announced plans to bring 80 Syrian refugees to Ireland every month from next year, Mr Kenny said the army and navy are performing heroic work abroad.