Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree wholeheartedly with everything that was said this morning by Senator Paschal Mooney about the LE Eithneand her crew and the sterling service it provided on behalf of all of Europe in the Mediterranean. I am pleased it has been replaced by a sister ship. I pass on our good wishes and congratulations to Rear Admiral Mellett on his position and promotion. He is shortly to take up the role of Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.

I also sympathise and pass on our condolences to the widow of Alexis Fitzgerald, Mary Flaherty, on his untimely passing. As has been said, he was a very friendly man whom many of us knew very well and held in high regard. I also extend my sympathy to our good friend and colleague, Deputy Joe O’Reilly, on the death of his mother.