Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Stanton for allowing me time and thank the Minister of State for agreeing to that. I visited the Cott family, whom I know personally because the father of the family comes from north Cork, which is my area. I spoke with Mrs. Cott today. All the family wants is for the Naval Service to dive to search the boat, and to have it raised, to find out what happened to it.

We are dealing with a compassionate situation which is hard on the family given that their son has not been found. They would like to have him taken from the sea to be given a Christian burial and be back with his family in Ballycotton. The family have always been loyal to and supported the State. The least we could have from the Government and the Minister of State is an assurance that the Naval Service would do what is necessary. The Naval Service has carried out such tasks in the past and has the necessary equipment. Whether an attempt is successful, to have tried would alleviate the fears of the family.

As a Government Deputy, I urge the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, to do all he can on compassionate grounds to alleviate the hardship for the family. It is a sad and difficult time for them. I thank Deputy Stanton, with whom I often co-operate.

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