Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are and have been involved in Operation Sophia for some time. I am proud of the great work members of the Naval Service are doing in the Mediterranean. Migrants picked up by it are brought to a safe European port. That has always been and will continue to be the case.

On the matter of the multi-role vessel to which the Deputy referred, we are in the preliminary stages of planning.

The decision on this will not be made next week or next month. I can absolutely assure the Deputy of that.

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