‘Neutrality threat’ as Navy sent to fight Med traffickers

A POLITICAL row broke out yesterday over the Government’s decision to start using the Irish Defence Forces to fight smugglers in the Mediterranean in addition to rescuing drowning civilians.

A motion signing Ireland up as part of Operation Sophia, which fights human trafficking gangs operating out of Libya, was passed in the Dáil on Friday.

Until now, the Irish Navy has only been involved in search and rescue operations, and has rescued more than 16,800 migrants in the Mediterranean.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil both supported the vote to change the Irish Navy’s status, but other political parties fear it will erode Irish neutrality and could force our soldiers and sailors to work alongside parties who have committed horrific human rights violations.

Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh told RTÉ Radio’s This Week that under Operation Sophia, our naval officers would have to work alongside the Libyan coastguard, who stand accused by UN experts of multiple violations of migrants’ rights, including firing on the people they are supposed to save. The Government had to activate the so-called ‘triple lock’ to change the status of the Irish Navy. Before the Irish Defence Forces can take part in an international military operation, they must have a UN sanction, and Cabinet and Dáil approval.

Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fáil defence spokesperson, insisted the Irish Navy would continue its rescue work as part of Operation Sophia.

Tempers flared when Mr Ó Snodaigh suggested it would be better to allow the African nations to tackle the issue of human trafficking themselves. Ms Chambers said she was shocked to hear him say smuggling was not a matter for Ireland.

Mr Ó Snodaigh interrupted her, saying: ‘Nobody suggested that Lisa, I suggested we rescue people.’

Three other neutral countries – Finland, Austria and Sweden – have already joined Operation Sophia.