Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We agree to the Order of Business. I join the Cathaoirleach and the Leader in expressing the sympathy of our group on the passing of the former Senator and Deputy, Alexis Fitzgerald. There will be an opportunity to have more substantial expressions of sympathy, but I add my voice to the sympathy extended to his wife, the former Deputy and Minister, Mary Flaherty, and his children. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

In the same context, I am sure Members on all sides of the House will express their sympathies to a former Member of the House and current Deputy, Joe O'Reilly, on the death of his mother, who I understand passed away yesterday.Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

In about 20 minutes the LE Eithnewill steam up, if I could use that somewhat outdated nautical term, to Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour following a most extraordinary ten weeks during which the Irish Naval Service covered itself in glory. The crew will be returning as heroes in a modern sense, having saved the lives of more than 3,300 refugees who found themselves in one of the most inhuman environments. It was a new departure for the Irish Naval Service and is one that will be added to its illustrious record. It is not often we have the opportunity to praise the Naval Service in these Houses. Generally, we tend to refer to the Defence Forces in the context of their peacekeeping activities. On this occasion, however, the House will join me in congratulating the Chief of Staff, who is a naval officer and rear admiral, and ask him to convey the thanks of this House and of the people of Ireland to the 65 crew and medical staff who did such impressive humanitarian work on the Mediterranean over the last few weeks.

I also understand the Naval Service will be welcoming the addition of a new ship, the LE James Joyce, bringing the complement of Naval Service ships up to eight. Considering that we have such a huge area of sea to cover for fishery protection, this is a welcome addition to the Irish Naval Service and to fishery protection, particularly on the south and south-west coasts.

Finally, Members of this House have occasionally raised the plight of the homeless. The most striking example of it occurred late last year when there was an outcry about the tragedies that occurred in the city as a result of homelessness. Quick and active resolutions were put in place at that time. Sadly, however, the homelessness issue has not gone away and a report today reveals the shocking news that 17 pregnant women are sleeping in nothing more than tents and the back seats of cars. They have no homes during their pregnancy.

Homelessness is unacceptable in a modern society, regardless of what category of people it affects, but that 17 pregnant women cannot find refuge during their confinement is an indictment of a society that prides itself on having a humanitarian approach. Perhaps the Leader would convey the sentiment of the House, as I am sure all Members will agree with me on this, that something must be done immediately, similar to the proactive approach of the Government on the last occasion along with Fr. Peter McVerry and others who work in this area. This issue must be addressed as a matter of urgency. I understand only four beds are available with Anchora, the organisation that looks after pregnant women. I hope direct and immediate action will be taken in this regard.