Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy 100% that it is a military mission, but it is also a UN mandated mission. When we joined PESCO, which I brought to Cabinet and to the House. Members of this House voted democratically to join Operation Sophia. It totally changed the mission in which we were participating under Operation Pontus. Operation Sophia specifically seeks to counter human trafficking and smuggling in the southern central Mediterranean by taking action against the criminal networks and disrupting the smugglers' business model. By improving maritime security, Operation Sophia is actively contributing to the EU and international efforts for the return of stability in Libya. In addition, Operation Sophia plays an important role in training the Libyan coastguard. We were not doing any of these things under Operation Pontus. I was very clear when we joined Operation Sophia that we were joining a UN-mandated military mission. The work of members of the Irish Navy and Defence Forces, who are representing Ireland in the Mediterranean, does us proud and they are doing a good job.

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