The Armed Forces of Malta said it was grateful for the second-hand patrol boat donated by the Irish government, countering local reports – which caused a storm in the Irish press – that it was a useless piece of “junk”.

Irish Defence Minister Simon Coveney said last week that although the 35-year-old decommissoned vessel was no longer viable for use in Irish waters, it was ideally suited to address a pressing short-term shortfall in the naval capacity of Malta.

It is a position supported by the AFMwhich said reports quoting a point of view “claiming to be of AFM personnel” did not reflect “in any way” the army’s position.

“The Armed Forces of Malta welcomes assistance from other nations (as it has done) by way of supply of assets that would in any way enhance its operational capabilities without further limiting other resources,” the army said.

It added the vessel was needed until a new offshore patrol vessel could be acquired, saying the support in addressing the shortfall in the interim was appreciated. The vessel was well suited for its intended purpose and “will surely provide further means for the squadron to fulfil its roles and responsibilities”.