Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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23. To ask the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the LÉ Eithne’s mission in the Mediterranean; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25087/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Following Government approval and agreement with the Italian authorities, L.É. Eithne arrived in the South Central Mediterranean on 23 May 2015, to assist the Italian authorities in humanitarian search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The role of the Irish Naval vessel is to provide a search and rescue capability and to undertake humanitarian rescue operations at sea in the Mediterranean. Assistance to persons in distress at sea is being provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of international conventions governing search and rescue situations. Co-ordination of search and rescue efforts and the provision of humanitarian assistance is being achieved by close co-operation with the Italian authorities.

L.É. Eithne is deployed on the high seas in international waters between Sicily and Libya, which is where most migrant activity and search and rescue incidents have occurred. To date, L.É. Eithne has been involved in 14 rescue operations resulting in the rescue of circa 2,136 migrants.

Following their rescue, once on board the Irish Naval Vessel, migrants are provided with medical assistance, food, water and dry clothes to those in need. The migrants are then either transported to a port in Italy, or transferred to another international naval vessel, as directed by the Italian authorities.

Our focus will remain on continuing to assist the Italian authorities in the humanitarian search and rescue operation efforts to prevent further tragedy and loss of life at sea.