Contrary to what Senator Stephenson brought up this morning, I compliment the Department of foreign affairs, our embassies abroad and the consular crisis office on the exceptional work they have been doing. Like so many Members in this House, I have been inundated with calls since Saturday night. On the response that we are getting from the staff on the ground, I have had situations where I have raised it directly with a team and ten minutes later, I have got a call back stating that they have spoken to that team. Since Monday, thankfully, when we wake up in the morning we are starting to get text messages stating, "I have landed in Ireland", or, "I have landed in London".

We often highlight the bad things and the negative things. There are solutions happening on the ground. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, must be commended. Her whole Department must be commended on the transparency, the quick response and the humility that the staff are showing. It would be inconsiderate of us in this House not to acknowledge the great work they are doing at this unfortunate time.