Another Irish naval vessel is to be sent to the Mediterranean to help in the refugee crisis.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny confirmed the move on the fringes of an EU leaders summit in Brussels.

Last year, three naval ships were deployed on separate missions in the Mediterranean, rescuing more than 8,600 people.

Enda Kenny said that another Irish Navy ship will be deployed.

"I expect that it's our intention to send one of our Naval vessels down to the Mediterranean again, in order to help with the situation there insofar as humanitarian assistance is concerned," he said.