Rescue mission in the Mediterranean

Sir, – It will be interesting to see the Government's reaction if the Italian authorities follow through on its threat to stop rescue craft from landing in Italy to put ashore people rescued from the Mediterranean ("Italy considers closing its ports to ships from Libya", June 28th).

Presumably these ships would be expected to return to their home ports with the people they rescued on board. In such circumstances, how much longer would the LÉ Eithne be available for this humanitarian work? – Yours, etc,

BRENDAN McMAHON,

Naas, Co Kildare.

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Sir, – The Italian government’s concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis are real. It is time for some active solidarity from the rest of the EU. – Yours, etc,

PATRICIA O’RIORDAN,

Dublin 8.