Maltese soldiers will be going to Haulbowline, Ireland, in the next few weeks to be trained to operate the LÉ Aoife, which was gifted to Malta amid controversy, the Irish Examiner said.

The Maltese crew should receive three to four weeks training and return to Malta with the ship in May. They will be likely accompanied by Irish naval personnel and possibly the Irish Defence Minister Simon Coveney.

Defence Minister Simon Coveney said the Maltese government still wanted the 36-year-old vessel, despite some comments including by retired navy personnel in Malta that she was too old and not fit for the purpose she was intended for — to rescue migrants fleeing north Africa.

He said Ireland will also be giving Malta ship spare parts.

The newspaper quoted Mr Coveney saying that Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela had immediately contacted him expressing embarrassment after the adverse comments made.

Malta, he said, was planning to buy a new ship but won’t receive it for around five years, so the LÉ Aoife would fill in the gap.

“It’s not at the end of its life and is very well maintained,” he said adding he could understand why some Irish groups might have liked the opportunity to acquire the vessel but felt it could play a role in humanitarian work.