Ireland protests to Australia over refugee refusal

Ireland's ambassador to Canberra has expressed concern to the Australian Government over its refusal to allow a container ship packed with refugees to dock.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen, has added his voice to the international pressure on the Australian authorities to end the crisis.

Minister Cowen said all states party to the Geneva Convention have to uphold their obligations under that agreement.

The Norwegian cargo ship, Tampa, and her unwanted load of 430 refugees plucked from a sinking ferry remain off the coast of the Australian outpost of Christmas Island.