The Defence Minister has indicated that he is likely to recommend the extension of an Irish naval presence in the Mediterranean.
The LÉ Niamh, which has been involved in a number of rescue operations in the Mediterranean, is due to come to the end of its tour of duty later this month.
Simon Coveney says Irish involvement in the European rescue mission has been an extraordinary success:
The comments come as the new Irish naval vessel, LÉ James Joyce, is brought into commission today.
Minister Coveney has been hosting the naming and commissioning ceremonies for the ship in Dun Laoghaire this afternoon, with Taoiseach Enda Kenny also in attendance.
This ship is the second of three being built by Babcock Marine in Devon for the Irish Naval Service.
The total cost of the programme is in the region of €200m.
The LÉ Samuel Beckett was commissioned in May of last year, with the LÉ William Butler Yeats under construction.
At the ceremony, the Taoiseach said, "I want to wish Lieutenant Commander Brian Dempsey and his crew every luck and success on LÉ James Joyce. I know that they are all looking forward to working the ship to its full potential".
He also praised the Irish naval crews who have been responding in the Mediterranean, saying, "I pay tribute to them and the magnificent way they are serving not only our country, but humanity itself".
