<p>
	The Minister for Children has said that another 131 refugees from the Greek camps will be received in Ireland before Christmas.</p>
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	In addition, Katherine Zappone said it was anticipated that the full number - 2,600 - of refugees, coming from Greece and Italy under the resettlement programme, will be arrive in Ireland by the end of 2017.</p>
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	Ireland agreed last year to accept in total4,000 refugees and migrants fleeing to Europe&rsquo;s borders.</p>
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	Ms Zappone, who is on a three-day official visit to Greece, said that approximately 80 refugees a month will be received in Ireland from now on.</p>
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<p>
	Speaking on RT&Eacute;&rsquo;s Morning Ireland, Ms Zappone said: &quot;Our officials have assured us that before Christmas we will be receiving another 131 refugees, and that we would anticipate having the full number of refugees coming from Greece and Italy, in the resettlement programme, by the end of 2017. That&#39;s about 2,600 of the 4,000.&quot;</p>
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	She said that while Ireland wants to be true to its refugee commitments, one of the key issues was to do with housing and accommodating those in need.</p>
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	Ms Zappone also said that she was in favour of stopping direct provision but added the same challenges around housing and communities remained in re-homing those already in direct provision.</p>
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	(Published by RTE.ie on the 12th December 2016)</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://www.rte.ie/news/video/2016/1211/838130-opposition-parties-renew-call-for-resignation-of-foster/">http://www.rte.ie/news/video/2016/1211/838130-opposition-parties-renew-call-for-resignation-of-foster/</a></p>
