Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I have a few questions for the Minister of State and will give him plenty of time to respond. I would like to extend my sympathy to the family and friends of George Floyd and express my strong solidarity with the black lives matter movement. It is important that we all stand united against racism in all its forms at home and abroad and strongly reject State and institutional racism. We must stand up against the politics of fear and hate espoused by President Donald Trump and state leaders in Hungary and Poland and we must move quickly to end the dehumanising practice of direct provision in Ireland.

I want to join with other Members who have commended the Defence Forces on the role they have played at home and abroad during the Covid-19 crisis. I want to strongly support the members of the Defence Forces.

My first question relates to the comments made by the Taoiseach about the possible purchase of an airlift carrier for the transport of personnel. Is there any update on that? Is it under consideration?

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