By Staff Reporter

The Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) has called for an immediate renewal of the Naval Service’s life-saving mission in the Mediterranean following reports of more migrant lives lost off the Greek coast.

“The reports coming from the Mediterranean are a grim reminder of the humanitarian crisis which continues to unfold on Europe’s doorstep,” said ICI chief executive Brian Killoran, who added that delaying any decision on the Irish response till after the General Election would cost further lives.

“We can be proud that in 2015 our naval service led Europe in search and rescue, but just three weeks into 2016 it is clear the need remains great,” he said.  “It is important that the Irish response is not ‘put on hold’ while politicians canvass. The Government should immediately make the decision to redeploy the navy so a ship can be prepared to leave for the Med.

The ICI says more than 8,000 people are alive today as a direct result of actions of the members of the Naval Service in 2015.