Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be as brief as I can. The LE Samuel Becketthas rescued today 122 people in the Mediterranean Sea. I know people have been very complimentary about the work of our Naval Service in the Mediterranean Sea and this brings the number rescued up to 14,555.

Some of the figures we got earlier on migration were not correct as some of the Deputies have slightly inaccurate figures. With regard to the numbers of people who have come to Ireland through resettlement and relocation, the Government has committed to 4,000 people. It is fair to say that the numbers coming over have been lower than we would like. There is a desire in Ireland that we welcome people who are in very difficult situations and that the compassion of the Irish people would be shown through these commitments. We have committed, through resettlement, to take 780 people before the end of 2017 - to date, 520 in 2016 and an expected 260 in 2017.

Relocation, which Deputy Eamon Ryan mentioned, has been much more difficult. So far 69 people have arrived in Ireland, but more are expected to arrive imminently, with perhaps up to 400 people coming in the next two to three months. The figure of 69 is correct with respect to relocation, but we have done a little better on resettlement. On adding the two figures, they do not come to 4,000. It is to be determined whether a number of them will be dealt with through resettlement or relocation.

I will leave it there to allow Deputy Ryan ask his question.

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