The Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has strongly rejected criticisms by the German Chancellor that Ireland isn't taking enough refugees.
During the week Angela Merkel said "Some countries are not taking part in the common European asylum policy, like the UK, Ireland, and Denmark,"
Responding to the comments The Justice Department told the Irish Independent that "Ireland is a strong believer in EU solidarity in the face of the migration challenge and we have demonstrated this in a very visible way, not just in what we say but in what we do,"
Going on to say "We have agreed to resettle 520 refugees between 2015-6, which is nearly double the share proposed for us by the EU Commission. This will give very vulnerable people whose lives have been destroyed by war a real chance to rebuild those lives in safety," the Justice Department official added"
Meanwhile, The UN Secretary General's issued a warning over Europe's escalating refugee crisis.
Ban Ki-moon says he's horrified and heartbroken by the latest loss of life and says he wants a collective political response to the situation.
