The Taoiseach will today travel to France for an informal summit of EU leaders.

The Versailles summit is being hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and will focus on Europe's response to the war in Ukraine.

Micheál Martin aims to use the two-day summit to discuss the implications of the refugee crisis and rapidly spiralling fuel costs.

Informal EU summits don't usually reach agreements for EU action but this meeting in Versailles takes on extra importance.

EU diplomats have agreed in principle a third round of sanctions against Russia which will focus on asset seizures and travel bans for oligarchs along with cryptocurrency assets held in Europe.

"Humanitarian crisis"

“I look forward to discussing with my fellow European Leaders the deteriorating situation in Ukraine, which has provoked the biggest humanitarian crisis in Europe since the Second World War,” Mr Martin said in a statement.

“Ireland will play its full part in bringing pressure to bear on Russia to end its illegal invasion, in offering solidarity to Ukraine and in doing everything we can to support its people - those who have stayed and those forced to leave.

“That there are people in Europe today living in fear, without food, water and heat is unconscionable.”

Energy

He said he looks forward to discussing the dramatic rise in energy prices “that is having a serious impact across the Union”.

Overnight in Ireland, a reduction in the excise on fuel came into place - lowering the cost of diesel and petrol by 15 and 20 cent a litre respectively.

However, many petrol stations put up prices yesterday - with Micheál Martin saying any attempt to profiteer from the war is a barbaric act of cruelty.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has confirmed a multi-million Euro package to support farmers in growing extra crops to address potential food and fodder shortages will be brought to cabinet this month.

Tomorrow, leaders will be joined at the summit by ECB President Christine Lagarde and Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe.

Additional reporting from Michael Staines