Ireland's chef de mission at the Paralympic Games says Team Ireland are targeting eight medals as the 2016 edition begins this week.

Speaking to Newstalk Sports' Oisin Langan in Rio's Athletes' Village ahead of Wednesday's opening ceremony, Denis Toomey says eight medals is the target at present.

"Any athlete that can perform at his best at the Games is going to come out with something, whether it's an Irish record or it's a podium finish. We hope that will come out in medals. We have our own targets. We're looking for eight medals and if we can do that, we'll be very proud of our athletes," he said.