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Irish president urges local people not to fear migrant influx

Xinhua, September 5, 2015 Adjust font size:

Amid mounting calls for a united response to the migrant crisis across the European Union (EU), Irish President Michael D Higgins on Friday urged local people not to be afraid of an influx of refugees.

Ireland's state broadcaster RTE quoted Higgins as saying that the Irish people had to do what was right and share the responsibility of the human tragedy unfolding.

He said EU countries were going to have to talk about the number of refugees they are accepting, adding that it was more likely two to three times the figure that was originally suggested to them.

The European Commission is expected to unveil a new proposal next week to relocate an extra 120,000 refugees across the EU.

Meanwhile, Ireland's Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said Ireland may admit as many as 1,800 refugees.

Ireland has so far agreed to take 600 refugees. Endit