Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Three Naval Service ships - LE Eithne, LE Niamhand LE Samuel Beckett- rescued 8,631 refugees from the Mediterranean last year. They have been rightly praised by all sides of the House. I reiterate our gratitude to those brave men and women.

While fewer people may be trying to cross the Mediterranean at this time of year, the sea is more dangerous and naval ships are needed on patrol. A total of 113 refugees have drowned in the Mediterranean since 1 January. Is Ireland going to send another ship to the Mediterranean and, if so, when?

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