Italian logjam stalling refugee programme

Italy’s refusal to allow gardaí assess migrants on Italian soil before they are transferred here is stalling the Government’s commitment to take in 2,662 migrants by year’s end, according to the Department of Justice.

Just 323 migrants and refugees who made the precarious Mediterranean crossing to Italy or Greece, have arrived here so far. Another 80 are being interviewed in Athens, and are expected to arrive shortly.

Ireland agreed to take in 2,662 refugees from Italy and Greece following European Council decisions to help Italy and Greece, who were overwhelmed by migrants fleeing the Middle East and Africa since 2015.