It is reported that among the 20 feared dead, some were crushed by other people in the boat, while others drowned at sea. The victims include a child, women and some men – mostly from Nigeria, the Ivory Coast and reportedly from Bangladesh.

"It is widely recognised that Irish missionaries led the way for much of what the Irish Government, through Irish Aid, is now doing in the area of development assistance."

Challenge for the Synod is to be “open to ways of applying the primacy of mercy to particular situations while remaining faithful to fundamental truth."

President Higgins, Archbishop Martin, co-workers, associates and Sisters to mark 20th anniversary of the Mercy International Association.

Hotels commit to safeguard children on their premises from any form of sexual exploitation.

Over 200 community groups from 20 countries involved in day of action.