Migration set to escalate - Prepare now

IT is impossible to say that the 649 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean by LÉ Eithne and her crew since the vessel left Cork 19 days ago, would not have survived had the vessel not been in the area.

It is certain though that those unfortunate and destitute people are very glad that they did not have to put that theory to the test and that they were delighted that the ship was on hand.

The navy can be proud of its work in the region, a continuation of the peacekeeping work undertaken by the Irish army under the United Nations flag for many years.