Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The value of the suggestion is that the ship is a self-contained unit that can be tied up at a pier. The Minister for Defence does not need to have diplomatic relations with the country concerned nor does he need to provide facilities. Were the situation to get out of hand the ship could turn round in an instant and come home. A combination of the State wanting to do this and the medical professionals being willing to assist could be outstanding for the country.

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