We believe the Irish people want the navy helping in the Mediterranean

The recovery of the bodies of the victims of people smugglers (‘Packed in like sardines in a tin’, Irish Examiner, July 29) has underlined the need for our naval service to continue in the search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean.

While the scenes that confronted the officers and crew of the LÉ Niamh were horrific, there are thousands of men, women and children who would not be alive today if it were not for their actions, and those of their colleagues on the LÉ Eithne beforehand.

Ireland has taken a lead in this multi-national operation and the actions of the naval service should be a source of pride.

In the coming weeks, the Government will be reviewing the continuing deployment.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland will be asking that the navy continues helping as long as people are risking everything by taking to the high seas.

We believe that, by doing so, the Government would be reflecting the views of the Irish people, who want the expertise of our navy to be used in this life-saving operation.

Brian Killoran

Chief Executive

Immigrant Council of Ireland

Andrew St

Dublin 2