Séamus Healy (Tipperary, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State has said the tendering process is in the early stages. I suggest now is the time to scrap it. He also referred to operations in the Mediterranean where Médecins Sans Frontières had been operating a ship, the MV Aquarius. It has since been stopped since it was deregistered Panama following pressure exerted by the Italian Government. Médecins Sans Frontières has asked the Government to accede to a request to have the ship registered under the Irish flag. Will the Minister of State agree to do so? It would prevent further drownings in the Mediterranean and not cost the Government a penny. It would simply be a humanitarian exercise. I hope the Minister of State will agree to do so.

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