Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have acknowledged that. The Naval Service will continue to be available to respond to the requests from the relevant authorities, namely, the Italian maritime rescue co-ordination centres, in terms of vessels at risk in its area of operation. Ireland will now be making an additional contribution to address some of the root causes of migration and human trafficking. Thus far, Operation Sophia has contributed to the apprehension of 109 suspected smugglers and traffickers and has removed 440 boats that were available to criminal organisations.

According to the most recent strategic review of Operation Sophia by the EU, a daily average of more than 50 merchant vessels and up to ten of the non-governmental organisations that are operating in the central Mediterranean are involved in search and rescue activities on an ongoing basis. Their work should be acknowledged and commended. Last week, I met one of the NGO groups involved in the operation. Operation Sophia is built on a partnership model, with member states working together and contributing their experiences in the shared interest of bringing to an end the tragic loss of life in the central Mediterranean. In addition to its role of disturbing the activities of smugglers and traffickers, Operation Sophia plays an important role in collecting and analysing data, information sharing and training of the Libyan authorities, supporting the establishment of a monitoring network and acting as a deterrent to the flow of illicit arms into Libya. Ireland's humanitarian effort to date would be strengthened by supporting this multilateral approach.

A number of the issues raised were outside of this debate. It is right and proper that I would have the opportunity to respond to the points made by some contributors. I am man enough to apologise to Senator Craughwell, but I have responded to the issues raised by him on a number of occasions in this House. I have never refused to come to this House. In recent times, I spent almost two hours in this House debating defence matters. I do not believe previous Ministers for Defence spent as much time in the Seanad as I have. It is my duty as Minister to do that and I have no problem doing so. I have addressed a number of the issues raised by Senator Craughwell on a previous occasion. I apologise to the Senator if he thought I was dismissive of him. However, it was unfair of him to put untruths on the record. I would like to reassure Senator Craughwell that the armed peace support allowance of €21.22 per day in respect of enlisted personnel and NCOs will be paid to personnel deployed in Operation Sophia.