Frances Fitzgerald indicates Ireland will take 1,800 refugees
The Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has indicated Ireland will accept in the region of 1,800 refugees in response to the current crisis.
It is expected the EU will issue a proposal next week which will see 150,000 extra refugees distributed across member states.
Ireland has so far pledged to take in 600 people.
Minister Fitzgerald said if the 150,000 figure is agreed, Ireland will take three times as many refugees as the current pledge of 600, which brings the total to 1,800.
Minister Fitzgerald said she would bring in legislation soon after the Dáil returns to make sure the cases of people in direct provision would be heard more quickly.
