#RoisinRefugees - The Naval Service confirmed that LÉ Róisín is to be deployed to the Mediterranean Sea at the end of this month to resume humanitarian missions, writes The Irish Examiner.

A Naval Service spokesman said that plans had been drawn up some months ago to dispatch the vessel.

Earlier this week at a meeting in Brussels, Taoiseach Enda Kenny told other EU leaders Ireland would resume humanitarian aid operations through the naval service supporting Italian navy rescue ships.

The 258 ft-long ship will be captained by Lieutenant Commander Ultan Finegan and carry a crew of 57, including several specialist units.

The normal complement for the ship for routine off-shore patrols is 44 but additional personnel, such as diving teams and medics, will be dispatched on the proposed mission. For more on the story,click here.