Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Defence if, in view of the upcoming 150th anniversary of Argentinian independence, further naval deployments or other Defence Force deployments to that country are under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23764/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Naval Service flagship vessel LÉ EITHNE undertook an historic visit to Argentina in February 2006 on foot of an invitation from the Argentine Government, where it participated in celebrations to commemorate the memory of Foxford-born Admiral William Brown, the founder of the Argentine Navy. LÉ EITHNE also visited Brazil and Uruguay as part of her South American deployment, which was the longest mission ever undertaken by the Naval Service.

A ceremony was held in Dublin on board the LÉ EITHNE on May 25, 2006 to mark the arrival in Ireland of a statue of Admiral Brown, and to celebrate Argentine National Day. The ceremony was attended by the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service and the Argentine Ambassador to Ireland.

No further Defence Forces deployments to Argentina are planned.