Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for the response. I welcome the acquisition of two new CASA 295 maritime patrol aircraft in 2023. What I would say is that they are to be for maritime patrol and should be used exclusively for that purpose, especially given the fact we have two ghost ships in Cork because the Naval Service cannot put them to sea because of a crewing problem. We still very much need a utility transport aircraft for this purpose, particularly because the pandemic is still raging throughout the country and the world. We need to have this autonomous flexibility and capability. I would be grateful if the Tánaiste could raise this with the Minister for Defence and consider publishing the advice of the Chief of Staff for the benefit of the entire House.

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