The Minister for Defence says there is no question about Ireland's commitment to the humanitarian relief effort in the Mediterranean.

It follows reports claiming there was Irish opposition to search and rescue missions in the area for two years before the LE Eithne was deployed to help migrants in May.

“Ireland was one of the first to send a ship here,” Mr Coveney said.

“I don’t think there’s any question about the Irish government’s commitment to helping on a humanitarian basis.”

Minister Simon Coveney, who is visiting the vessel in Malta today along with Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, says there were concerns in the past that some official operations were encouraging people smuggling and driving up the number of unseaworthy vessels taking to the water.

He says that once this situation changed Ireland was quick to assist.

Mr Coveney believes Ireland’s history means Irish people, “can relate - given our history of coffin ships and people putting to see to try and find a better life.”