I do not want to go over the answer with regard to vessels, observational vessels and individuals, in terms of going as far and being turned back, but we have the flotilla continuing. This could happen again and again. Is the Tánaiste open to engaging with like-minded EU states to come up with contingency plans for the protection, observation - whatever you want to call it - or engagement for humanitarian aid flotillas, or something that might continue into the future? Is he open to coming up with something a bit more permanent?

Yes, I am. It should be done in a way that is European in the sense that sometimes, it just makes more sense if there are a number of European countries. Certain countries can have vessels in the area, etc., and speed can sometimes be of the essence, so yes, I am.

I do not wish to speak for other countries at all but my understanding of the purpose for the presence of some of those vehicles was in case the need for evacuation became real. God forbid, had something happened in terms of the well-being of citizens from attacks on the vehicles, it was about having that evacuation capacity. I was given an assurance that should that requirement be there, our citizens would be treated the same as any other European citizens as regards access to those vessels. I was satisfied, beyond doubt, that our citizens had the same access as Spanish citizens would have, for example, to what was effectively a European ship.

The Deputy's point is fair. I have already spoken to my Spanish counterpart this morning and I intend to speak to many more counterparts during the course of today and tomorrow. I will take the Deputy's idea away and see if we can build on it.

I was in the defence committee this morning discussing the maritime security strategy. Within that came our capabilities, and we know the issues in relation to naval vessels. We do have legacy expertise in the Mediterranean neighbourhood through Operation Pontus and working with EU partner states on that. We can act and we do have expertise in our Defence Forces and Naval Service to do that.

On the piracy and the kidnapping and detention of Irish citizens, the Tánaiste says he is open to practical solutions or ideas. Would he request that his officials investigate the possibility of referring this latest action to the ICJ, for example, for investigation at the least?

As the Deputy can imagine, because this is an evolving situation, I have not had the chance to discuss this with Government colleagues and the likes. I also want to take this sequentially. Step one is the well-being of our citizens, seeking their freedom and to get them back home, and the very intensive work my Department and our individuals on the ground are undertaking in the here and now. I have said in the statement last month with 14 other countries that there should be accountability for any illegal actions taken against the flotilla.

I very much value international law. I am already actively exploring, with other European counterparts, if there is an appetite for a number of European countries to seek accountability for this under international law. I do not think it would be useful today for me to go further in relation to this. I do not wish to engage in any act of provocation. My priority in the here and now is the well-being and safety of our citizens. I am happy to come back to the House and engage. Once I further develop my thoughts, I will come back on it.

Would it be fair to say that the Tánaiste and Government have an appetite?

It would be fair to say that I have an open mind and do not rule anything out at this stage.