#HospitalShip - The Naval Service have plans for a newbuild which would be equipped to provide full medical facilities at sea have been endorsed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The Irish Times writes that a White Paper on Defence promises a multi-purpose vessel equipped with a fully functioning hospital, Mr Kenny said in Galway docks on Monday.

This would allow medical personnel to serve in “war and conflict situations”, Mr Kenny said. He was speaking at the commissioning of the Naval Service’s latest new patrol ship, LÉ William Butler Yeats.

Mr Kenny said it was “his wish” that such a multi-purpose ship – still at pre-design stage – would be built to serve in humanitarian crises. It was in “keeping with our rich tradition of charity and volunteering”, he said.

For more on search and rescues in the Mediterranean and the ceremony for the newbuild held at Galway Port, click here.