The Government is providing €2.75m for vulnerable populations in the world - including the migrants who are trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe.

The money will be distributed through the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and Red Crescent Societies.

The IFRC reaches 160 million people each year, assisting victims of disaster and carrying out development work.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan says this funding will help alleviate the suffering of civilians caught up in the Syrian conflict.

"In recent days we have seen yet again the tragic consequences of the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean", he said.

"Ireland is working on several fronts to address this. I want to pay tribute to the crew of the LÉ Niamh which is playing a vital role in efforts to save lives".

"The International Organisation for Migration has rightly underlined the importance of a wider, holistic approach which tackles the underlying causes of this crisis, including in the countries of origin and transit".

"This is exactly the approach that Ireland is taking. Today's funding aims to do just that, by helping alleviate the terrible suffering of civilians caught up in the Syrian conflict and will help communities in Sub-Saharan Africa better respond to crises by improving food security, health and disaster preparedness", he added.

The bulk of the funding is to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, a tool that allows National Red Cross and Red Crescent societies quick access to urgent humanitarian funding.

Last year, the Fund was used to respond to more than 100 emergencies across the world and helped close to eight million people - including those affected by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the South Sudan refugee crisis, the Gaza war, and displacement caused by Boko Haram violence in Nigeria.