asked the Minister for Defence the length of time the minesweeper L.E. Banba and the training vessel L.E. Setanta have been out of service or in port; if either vessel will return to service; if L.E. Setanta is still being used for accommodation purposes; and if he considers that such makeshift accommodation has had a bad effect on Naval Service morale, in view of the fact indicated in the figures given in reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 8 and 9 of 4 November 1980, that naval strength is falling.
Written Answers. - Naval Vessels.
42.
L.E. Banba and L.E. Setanta have not been operational for two-and-a-half years and one-and-a-half years respectively. The future of the vessels is at present being considered. L.E. Setanta is no longer being used for accommodation purposes.