Micheál Martin denies drugs cartels could exploit navy weakness

Micheál Martin admitted that the naval service 'clearly' is not 'optimally effective'.

Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin has admitted he is "extremely worried" that the naval service is down to just two operational ships due to manpower issues.

However, he has hit back at suggestions that the lack of vessels could lead to South American drug cartels exploiting the gaps here.