Minister Zappone expects Ireland to accept 2,600 by the end of next year

Ireland is due to welcome 131 refugees from camps in Greece before Christmas.

Despite the slow start in resettling refugees here, Minister for Children Katherine Zappone, has said from the new year Ireland will be taking in around 80 refugees per month.

The minister told Morning Ireland the state will consider putting a call out to charities, agencies and churches to ensure that there will be adequate housing for the newly arrived refugees, in light of the housing crisis.

She also said Ireland is equipping itself to deal with unaccompanied minors, who may arrive without parents.

"Our officials have assured us that before Christmas we will be receiving another 131 refugees, and that we would anticipate having the full number of refugees coming from Greece and Italy, in the resettlement programme, by the end of 2017. That's about 2,600 of the 4,000," she said.

Ireland pledged to take in 4,000 refugees earlier this year.

Ms Zappone is on a three day visit to Greece where she is visiting camps where those who fled to Europe are currently being housed.

Gardai and officials were interviewing potential candidates for resettlement to Ireland she said.

Online Editors