Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I want to ask the Minister about a couple of aspects of his contribution. My first question relates to MARSUR III and our contribution. Will we be able to offset some of the challenges presented over the past year by some states interfering with data cables and undersea fibre-optic cables between Europe and the US? Will MARSUR III be able to be a bulwark against that?

Are we in a position to be able to recruit into or enhance our Naval Service? It is currently doing an incredible job but it is significantly understaffed. Is it intended to recruit, upskill and train new staff? At current staffing levels we will struggle.

When this matter was raised in 2019, there were questions about how it interfered with our neutrality and sovereignty. Have those concerns been proven to be unfounded over the past two years? What would the Minister suggest to those who have made those comments?