As the Irish government signs off on a plan to accept 4,000 refugees under a new protection programme, tens of thousands of refugees continue to stream across borders in central and southern Europe.
Newstalk reporter Shona Murray has been in Central Europe this week, speaking to refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle-East, mainly in Syria.
She spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about her time spent among refugees traveling by train through Hungary, Austria and Germany.
Beginning at Budapest's Keleti Station, where hundreds of refugees camped out before being allowed on trains to Austria and Germany last week, she joined several families as they continued their arduous journeys.
A 'touching' welcome awaited refugees in Salzburg, where a number of volunteers and translators offered help to the arriving crowds.
The next train to Munich was diverted to Leipzig - 430km away from its original destination - without any prior announcement to passengers.
One woman aboard, 26-year-old Ala from Aleppo, said the hardship and "humiliation" she has suffered make her wish she had not left the Syrian city, which has seen fighting between militant groups and government forces since 2012.
"I prefer not to go out from Aleppo," she said. "I prefer to die in Aleppo that get out of Alepp... because you will die with your pride."
Shona spoke with three men - Mohammed, Walid and Zahi - also from Aleppo, about their plans.
They had spent the last month travelling non stop, by foot, train and boat.
"30 days from suffering; 30 days from death, walking. We can't sleep," said one.
When asked if they thought their suffering was over, they were not optimistic:
"We hope, but no. Its level after level, step by step."
One thanked European countries for their hospitality, especially Austria.
When asked if they considered Ireland as a possible destination, they said the distance and difficult journey required made it unlikely:
"Ireland is a great country but very far away - you have to go to Paris and then to England. It's a long story and a long way."
The men were clear in their determination to continue their university studies and careers, and to become productive members of society wherever they end up:
"Ireland needs people like us because some people stay at home and say 'give me money, give me money,' but that is not life. Life is going to work hard to get your own money."
3 year old Vanessa from Baghdad, #iraq .Her family arrive in #Vienna in hope of moving to #Germany #ntfm @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/qnmswYPbG2
— Shona Murray (@ShonaMurrayNT) September 9, 2015
#volunteers at train station in #Vienna #refugeecrisis pic.twitter.com/3wpkMBg6h5
— Shona Murray (@ShonaMurrayNT) September 9, 2015
Om Khaled & joudy from #Aleppo arrive in #Austria after months of travel pic.twitter.com/60CHCI01gk
— Shona Murray (@ShonaMurrayNT) September 9, 2015
Listen to Shona's full report below:
