Migrant Crisis: Ireland must support peace bids in areas of conflict

The personnel of the LÉ Niamh, and the LÉ Eithne before her, are a source of national pride as they continue their life-saving Mediterranean missions.

While the sight of coffins lined up in Sicily has been deeply distressing, it is important that we also remember that there are 3,500 men, women, and children alive today as a direct result of the actions of our Defence Forces this summer.

Given the pivotal role played by our Navy as a first responder to this week’s sinking, we are calling for the Government to now commit to keeping an Irish ship in the Med for as long as necessary, and certainly beyond an expected review in September.