#Navy - It is expected the Government is to announce next Tuesday to agree to send two Naval Service ships to the Mediterranean in an effort to help the European Union’s mission to rescue migrants and reduce people-smuggling .

If the Cabinet memo from Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe is approved, writes The Irish Times, two Irish Naval ships will spend two separate, consecutive 16-week missions between Italy and Libya from April until year’s end.

The operation in the Mediterranean – Operation Sophia – began in April 2015. Known formally as the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean, it sought to disrupt Libyan-based people-smugglers.

Following the drownings of hundreds of refugee migrants after the sinking of unseaworthy boats and ribs, the mission’s scope was extended, including the rescue of migrants.

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