Sir, – The shocking death tolls outlined on your front page ("Deaths of 34 migrants a stark reminder of deepening crisis", January 6th) missed one vital statistic, which is that the EU has only resettled 0.17 per cent of the refugees which in September it committed to offering safety and hope.
Figures confirm that in the four months since just 272 refugees have been moved from frontline states to those who are supposed to be offering solidarity to men, women and children fleeing war and terror.
As your editorial of the same date points out, Europe's current stance can be more accurately summed up as "more borders, more guards" rather than the humanitarian response demanded by people across Ireland just a few months ago.
Despite any domestic uncertainty caused by a general election, it is time for Ireland to speak up at a European level and act on a national level in response to this crisis.
At the Immigrant Council of Ireland we believe a decision should be taken to recommit a Naval Service vessel to search and rescue in the Mediterranean in 2016, the process of honouring our own refugee commitments must be advanced and the Government must outline what integration plans are in place to offer those coming here to restart their lives. 2015 will be forever remembered for the horrific scenes on the doorstep of Europe; only by acting and showing leadership now can we ensure that 2016 will not go down the same tragic route. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN KILLORAN,
Chief Executive,
Immigrant Council
of Ireland, Dublin 2.