Aquarius vessel registration
Deputy Howlin raised concerns about the Aquarius migrant rescue vessel being de-flagged and asked if Ireland could register it. The Taoiseach said any application would be considered and, when pressed, joked that he had not seen the application and asked whether the captain was qualified and the vessel seaworthy.
Page 103 of the programme for Government says the State will provide a safe haven for refugees. We all applauded the sterling wok of the Naval Service in rescuing distressed families and children in the Mediterranean. The Aquarius vessel has been operating in the Mediterranean rescuing migrants at sea. Médecins sans Frontières and SOS Méditerranée have described the decision by the Panama maritime authority to deflag that vessel as a major blow. There are concerns that Panama was forced to revoke the registration due to pressure from the Italian Government. Médecins sans Frontières has asked other European Governments to consider the issuing of a flag to Aquarius to continue its work. It is the last private vessel operating between Libya and Europe. Last week it rescued seven families including 18 children and one woman who was 23 weeks pregnant. I do not expect the Taoiseach to give me a "Yes" or "No" answer now. Will he consider offering an Irish flag to the Aquarius to continue its humanitarian work?
Comment on this
If the vessel makes an application to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport or the Irish Maritime Development Office, the application will be considered. That would be the case for any vessel as whether it is a ship or an aircraft that wants to be registered in Ireland or have an Irish flag, it will be considered.
Comment on this
Does the Taoiseach have a view?