asked the Minister for Defence if any opportunity presented itself for the disposal of any of the corvettes recently; and whether he considers that such disposal would make it possible for him to procure a more up-to-date and more useful fishery protection craft.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of Corvettes.
28.
I am not aware of any opportunity having presented itself recently for disposing of any of the corvettes. As these vessels are likely to give satisfactory service for a number of years yet, their replacement is not at present contemplated.
If an opportunity presented itself of disposing of these somewhat obsolete craft would the Minister avail of it or does his reply mean that we are wedded to these ships for the Irish Navy for all time?
No. We expect to get a considerable amount of service from them yet and they are not considered unsuitable for the duties they have to perform.