Several people have been confirmed dead after a boat with up to 700 people on board capsized in the waters north of Libya.

The LE Niamh and the Italian military are at the scene along with a number of ships.

At least 500 people are missing.

The charity Médecins Sans Frontières is involved in a massive unfolding search and rescue operation.

Spokesperson Andre Perache says the migrants are in a desperate situation

The contributions of the Irish navy to helping the migrant crisis are due for review in September.

Brian Killoran, Chief Executive of The Immigrant Council of Ireland, says it's vital that the LE Niamh and other naval vessels are allowed to continue their rescue operations: