asked the Minister for Defence when permission will be given to Verolme dockyard, County Cork, to commence the building of the two new naval vessels.
21.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Verolme Dockyard.
20.
asked the Minister for Defence the progress made towards the acquisition of the helicopter-carrying vessels referred to by him in reply to previous parliamentary questions; if the design has yet been completed; if so, if he will give the principal dimensions, displacement, complement and armament; if he will indicate when an order for these ships will be placed; and when it is expected that they will be laid down, launched and enter service.
22.
asked the Minister for Defence if the Verolme Dockyard, Cork, have been instructed to commence the building of five new fishery protection vessels.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 21 and 22 together.
The development of a design and specification for two new helicopter-bearing vessels for the Naval Service is proceeding as speedily as possible. However, this process has not reached the stage where a definite date for the placing of an order can be indicated.
Construction of the first of these vessels is expected to take approximately two years from the date of order with the second to take six months longer.
Pending completion of the comprehensive specification, I am not in a position to give detailed characteristics of the new vessels.
Could the Minister give any indication as to when the order will be placed?
The projected order date is October or November this year. This is a very comprehensive type of vessel and design models must be obtained abroad. We hope that the first definite order will be placed towards the end of the year.
Would the Minister accept that there will be approximately two years between the placing of an order and delivery? Would he consider in the meantime placing an order for a vessel like the Deirdre in order to protect employment in Verolme?
We hope to place orders for the two vessels towards the end of the year and indications are that the first will be ready for delivery in October 1982 and the second in March 1983. I take the Deputy's point with regard to another vessel of the same type as the Deirdre and will bring it to the attention of my colleague.
Will the Minister accept that there will be a period of two years between the placing of an order and delivery?
I accept that the acquisition of a vessel like the Deirdre if required, might be speedier.