More than half a million migrants and refugees have travelled to Europe by sea so far this year.
One hundred and six thousand people were rescued by naval vessels – including the LE Niamh, LE Eithne and the LE Samuel Beckett – between January and September.
However the figures show that 3-thousand people have died this year trying to make the journey to Europe.
Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes says that EU countries need to step up their rescue efforts and tackle smugglers.