Mohammed Ali Malek, from Tunisia, is accused of multiple first degree homicides, but denies being the vessel's captain.
Last night EU leaders pledged to triple the funding of its search and rescue operation, but campaigners say it's not enough.
Last weekend, a migrant boat bound for Europe sank off the coast of Libya, resulting in the loss of around 800 lives, most of whom were locked in the vessel's hold.
This morning, the suspected captain, Mohammed Ali Malek, appeared in court in Italy, charged with multiple homicide and people trafficking.
The 27 year old Tunisian denies being in charge of the ship, but Prosecutors have been gathering eye-witness accounts from 28 survivors, which appear to contradict the claims.
A second man's also denied being a member of the crew – but his lawyer Guiseppe Russo says Malek was the skipper:
The sinking of that ship was the worst single loss of life in the Mediterranean migrant crisis, and brought into sharp focus the escalating problem.
Last night, EU leaders pledged to increase the funding of Europe's search and rescue mission Triton.
President of the European Council Donald Tusk also outlined other measures, such as destroying traffickers’ boats.
But Brian Killoran of the Immigrant Council of Ireland says it's disappointing:
Taoiseach Enda Kenny's promised a naval vessel to help the search and rescue mission.
The Minister for Defense says a meeting's being held on Tuesday to discuss the legality of such an offer.
