Sir, – While the efforts of the rescue services in the Mediterranean have to be applauded, it appears that the practice of patrolling the area 50 or 60 kilometres from the North African coast is clearly advantageous to the people-smugglers. In the past they had to attempt to transport people all the way across the Mediterranean to the European coast, whereas now it is only necessary to provide the means to get within sight of the rescue ships that will pick up the unfortunate people and transport them safely to ports in Europe.
This practice clearly facilitates the people-smugglers and makes their task much more straightforward.
It is counter-productive to attempt to eliminate an activity while following a policy that actively promotes it. – Yours, etc,
JOHN EGAN ,
Carlow.