Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Department for securing a very good deal in the commissioning of new vessels. Obviously, we have an enormous area to patrol and the Navy does terrific work in difficult conditions. Having the most modern fleet possible is very important. When committee members visited Haulbowline, they had a spin on one of the Navy’s vessels.

In excess of over €150 million will be spent on the Navy’s vessels for several years, but we seem to be scoffing at the possibility of purchasing a ministerial jet simply because it is a different service being provided. I appreciate the politics of it, but that is my personal view. That is the comparison I would like to draw.

The Naval Service is doing a completely different job and there is a necessity to do it. There are other means of transport for Ministers and, in particular, the President. I find it strange, however, that when President Higgins goes to the United States he will be flying business or first class in a commercial airline. I do not know what is the norm internationally. This probably is the norm for countries of our size. I wish to draw that comparison.

I know the second vessel has been named, is there any light at the end of the tunnel in respect of the third vessel? One of our colleagues suggested that we should find a suitable woman's name. I was not able to think of any literary giants-----