The Government will be urged to immediately take in up to 200 unaccompanied migrant children living in the notorious ‘Jungle’ in Calais in a cross-party opposition motion set to be put before the Dáil next week, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith of the Irish Examiner.

However, despite the fact the motion will be passed by the Dáil, the minority Government could still reject the potential move as the fact the infamous site is not an official EU resettlement camp means it may not be legally possible to act.

Under plans put forward by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and circulated to a number of parties earlier this week, the union umbrella group has called for political action to address the growing crisis at the infamous French site.

Specifically, ICTU has requested that parties combine to table a motion in favour of Ireland taking in up to 200 unaccompanied migrant children who are living in Calais due to fears of what may happen to them now the location is being destroyed.

Although in its early stages, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, Labour, the Greens, the Social Democrats and Independents4Change are understood to be in favour of backing the motion, which is likely to be tabled next week, while AAA-PBP are considering a slightly different wording to the plan.

The cross-party opposition backing means the motion is certain to pass.

However, despite the clear need for action on the issue given the serious concerns being raised about unaccompanied migrant children in the notorious French site, Government sources last night said legal difficulties may block the coalition from supporting the move.

This is because the Calais ‘Jungle’ site is based in France – considered a safe European nation – and unlike similar locations on the Greek islands is not an official EU resettlement camp.

Raising the issue in the Dáil yesterday, Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said there are “10,000 child refugees” in Europe, adding Ireland must “agree to take in 200 of those refugees” immediately.

However, while not specifically ruling out the measure, Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said although she is “appalled at the scenes in Calais” Ireland is already taking in a large number of migrants from official EU resettlement sites.

Ms Fitzgerald said 40 Syrian refugees arrived from Greece yesterday and that by the end of this year “close to 1,000” migrants will have been re-located to Ireland in this way.

The refugees are being met privately by the Tánaiste this afternoon.