Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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15. To ask the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update regarding the LE Samuel Beckett role in assisting in the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34259/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Italian Authorities with the migrant crisis, in line with the Government Decision on 12 May 2015. L.É. Samuel Beckett is continuing the excellent work undertaken by L.É. Eithne and L.É. Niamh 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 through close co-operation with the relevant Italian authorities.

During her deployment in the Mediterranean, L.É. Eithne rescued a total of 3,377 migrants. She was replaced in the mission on 18 July by L.É. Niamh who rescued a total of 4,020 migrants during her deployment. Tragically, 39 bodies were also recovered by L.É. Niamh.

L.É. Samuel Beckett, commenced patrolling duties on the waters between Libya and Sicily on 01 October 2015. To date L.É. Samuel Beckett has rescued 242 migrants. While the duration of the deployment of L.É. Samuel Beckett is subject to ongoing assessment of the crisis, it is intended that this rotation, up to the end of November 2015, will complete the Naval Service’s participation in the mission.

The success of the operations carried out to date by L.É. Eithne, L.É. Niamh and L.É. Samuel Beckett involving the rescue of 7, 639migrants demonstrates clearly the value of Ireland’s participation in this important humanitarian response.