Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I agree with much of what the Taoiseach said in respect of Irish missionaries and NGOs and the work they do. A suggestion was brought to my attention, which might be of interest to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Defence, who is also present. One of the problems people have is with the translation of money they donate and funding provided by the Government into action on HIV-AIDS or whatever and its practical effect. I recently had a conversation with Captain Mark Mellet of the LE Eithne, which has just returned from Argentina and he made a practical suggestion, given that the Government must consider the replacement of defence vessels over the next few years. The LE Eithne has a fully equipped theatre and can accommodate up to 200 people. Both Captain Mellet and Dr. James O'Reilly, former president of the IMO, have pointed out that many Irish medics would like to use their expertise in providing public service internationally and that could be provided in Liberia, Madagascar and so on without the normal restrictions within which the Minster for Defence must operate in sending a battalion of soldiers abroad, setting up a camp and so on.

The Government could consider such an opportunity. A facility could be provided without restriction, which would allow hundreds of doctors to give ten days, three weeks or a month of their time on board the ship to vaccinate and treat people with HIV-AIDS in a foreign port. It is a practical suggestion the Minister for Defence might consider. It would also deal with the direct evidence being transmitted back here publicly of how people's money is being used to practical effect in Africa. As the Taoiseach rightly said, Ireland concentrates on Africa and that is an added dimension the Minister for Defence and the Government could consider. A number of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals would like to avail of such a possibility. I acknowledge that a number of them help out in various capacities currently but this suggestion would mean a ship would be provided and Ireland could add a new dimension to its leadership while having practical effect in the treatment of HIV-AIDS.

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