The Defence Minister says Ireland will be "generous but realistic" about taking migrants from the Mediterranean.

Simon Coveney has paid tribute in the Dáil for the work being done by our defence forces on the L.E. Eithne.

They have already rescued hundreds from the sea off Libya in an operation led by the Italian navy.

Minister Coveney says Europe needs to discuss what to do with the volume of migrants coming to Italy.

"I think Ireland needs to be sure that whatever commitment we make we can actually follow through on, in terms of available accommodation and the support services that are needed," said the Minister.

"I think we will be generous but realistic about what Ireland can do on this."