Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Page 103 of the programme for Government says the State will provide a safe haven for refugees. We all applauded the sterling wok of the Naval Service in rescuing distressed families and children in the Mediterranean. The Aquariusvessel has been operating in the Mediterranean rescuing migrants at sea. Médecins sans Frontières and SOS Méditerranée have described the decision by the Panama maritime authority to deflag that vessel as a major blow. There are concerns that Panama was forced to revoke the registration due to pressure from the Italian Government. Médecins sans Frontières has asked other European Governments to consider the issuing of a flag to Aquariusto continue its work. It is the last private vessel operating between Libya and Europe. Last week it rescued seven families including 18 children and one woman who was 23 weeks pregnant. I do not expect the Taoiseach to give me a "Yes" or "No" answer now. Will he consider offering an Irish flag to the Aquariusto continue its humanitarian work?

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