Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland will be using its well-established partnership with the UN Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. As this involves supplies that are already pre-positioned in the region, there is no requirement at present for the use of an Irish military aircraft.

A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government including humanitarian assistance. As the Deputy will be aware we have recently taken delivery of two Airbus C295W Maritime Patrol Aircraft which are are primarily utilised for maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection but are capable of being configured in a strategic airlift transport role, if required.