Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I was on the council when many of the events he described took place. We are tremendously proud of our connection to the Naval Service. For many years, Creidne, the Naval Service training vessel, was moored in Dún Laoghaire. I do not think it is in the Naval Service anymore. The Atlantic Youth Trust is moving to base sail training vessels in Dún Laoghaire too. Dún Laoghaire has immense maritime heritage and connections with the Naval Service. Leaving that aside, I am grateful for the suggestion that this will be considered. I hope that will come to pass. I also recognise that there must be an objective analysis of whether it is the right thing to do. I suggest that Dún Laoghaire Harbour represents an unparalleled location and opportunity for the Naval Service to base a vessel to patrol the Irish Sea. I have discussed this with the Minister on a number of occasions in recent months. I hope he will take the opportunity to put the base there because there is an underused asset that could be of enormous strategic importance to the country.