Ireland to take up to 4000 refugees

(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency) DUBLIN Dhu-AlQa'dah 26 1436 September 10 2015 SPA -- Ireland said on Thursday it would accept additional refugees from Europe's migrant crisis taking the number expected up to 4000 Reuters reported.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said Dublin had agreed to accept up to 2900 more refugees than currently planned. It has already committed to take 600 people and 520 more are currently being resettled.

"We have all been shocked and upset at the scenes witnessed in southern and central Europe and the distressing scenes during rescues in the Mediterranean. It is only right that we are do all we can as a nation to help" Fitzgerald said.

Ireland which has a population of around 4.6 million people is a member of the European Union but has not signed up to the EU's plan to share refugees across the bloc.
--SPA
12:00 LOCAL TIME 09:00 GMT