James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wholeheartedly agree with the point made that if theLÉ Eithnewere to be turned into a maritime museum that it should not be up to the Defence Forces to foot the bill. The co-operation of the Defence Forces would be more than welcome, but it is great to see that Cork County Council and that councillors on that local authority have expressed interest in this regard. Approaches have been made to me private, with people expressing an interest in the vessel in the context of Youghal and Cobh to see if those locations might be viable in the long run. I just put that point on the record.

While I am on my feet, I compliment the 60th class of new cadets for the Naval Service. I was privileged to be at my first naval ceremony recently, along with the Minister for Defence. I commend those cadets on the significant work they put in over the last two years. That must be commended in the House. I appreciate the information that the Minister has come back to me with. When a date is available for the conclusion of this work being undertaken, I ask that it be communicated to our office and to those of other Deputies with an interest in this matter. It is welcome, so I thank the Minister again.

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