Ireland asked to accept exiled militants

The Government has confirmed that the EU presidency has asked it to admit one or more of the Islamic militants recently deported from the West Bank.

The deportations followed the siege at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

A spokesman said the request from Spain is "being explored".

13 Palestinian militants were exiled as part of a deal to end the stand-off. They are in Cyprus awaiting details of the arrangement to disperse them throughout EU member states.

The group is due to leave Cyprus on Wednesday.