LE Niamh to set sail for Asia

Final preparations are being made before the navy's newest vessel, the LE Niamh, sets sail for Asia.

44 members of the Defence Forces, who are to make the 100-day trip, will meet President Mary McAleese later today when she visits the Haulbowline naval base in Cork.

Commander Hugh Tully of the Defence Forces said it is the longest voyage the ship has ever undertaken.