Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
79. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if it is intended to resume the practice of naming Irish Naval Service vessels after figures in Irish mythology, as was the practice up to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29511/23]
View answer85. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his policy in respect of the naming of new Naval Service vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29510/23]
View answerThere was a practice of naming naval ships after people in Irish mythology and giving them Irish names. Does the Tánaiste intend to revert to that practice for the two new ships purchased by the Naval Service?
The reply will have to be read into the record. The Tánaiste may do so if he wishes.
I will read it into the record. To be frank, it is not an issue to which I have given consideration. Now that the Deputy has raised it, I certainly will and perhaps discuss it further with him. As he said, the tradition was to name them after Irish female mythological figures. In 2013, the then Minister instructed that a review of the naming policy should be undertaken. Following that review, the Minister came to the view that naming the ships after world-renowned Irish literary figures reflected a more modern and inclusive Ireland. The current position is that decisions relating to the naming of these vessels are under consideration and have yet to be taken. Perhaps we could marry the two.
