Concern as strength of Naval  Service falls to new low of 722

Tanaiste Micheal Martin Martin said that the first of two inshore patrol vessels, purchased from New Zealand at a cost of €32m, will become operational next month.

The strength of the Irish Naval Service has fallen to a new low of 722, official figures show.

The figure suggests the staffing crisis in the Naval Service could be levelling off and is just three fewer than in 2023.