Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

We should spare a thought for the salvage operation under way off the south-east coast at Dunmore East in County Waterford. It is a difficult and emotional time for the families of those on the stricken vessel, Père Charles. As we are an island nation and similar events could affect any part of our country, there should be a protocol or system in place for when vessels sink. At the time, there was controversy regarding how difficult it was to have the Père Charles raised. The Minister of the day stepped in and addressed the situation. Will the current Minister attend the House to discuss protocols and systems for when vessels get into difficulty?

I acknowledge the role of the emergency services in those tragic circumstances. I refer to the Irish Coast Guard, the Navy divers involved in the salvage operation and the salvage company. We hope the difficult operation reaches a satisfactory conclusion for all concerned. We should consider the families and communities bereaved by tragedies along our coastlines. Will the Deputy Leader facilitate my request for the Minister to attend the House?