Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 7

Written Answers. - Naval Service Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

205 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence whether the Naval Service is provided with the most modern equipment and technology; his plans, if any, for future enhancement in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5280/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The Naval Service fleet consists of seven all-weather patrol vessels, comprising one helicopter carrying patrol vessel, four off shore patrol vessels and two coastal patrol vessels. These vessels undergo regular planned maintenance and repair to ensure maximum availability to meet operational requirements.

In recent years four vessels —LE Emer, LE Deirdre, LE Aoife and LE Aisling— have been refitted, with obsolete or deteriorated equipment being replaced or refurbished, in order to extend their operational life. These refits have been facilitated on a part-cost recoupment basis under the European Union fishery protection programmes. The three remaining vessels —LE Eithne, LE Ciara and Le Orla— will undergo similar refurbishment during the next three years, starting with LE Eithne later this year.

A contract was signed in December 1997 with Appledore Shipbuilding Ltd., Devon, England, for the supply of an additional fishery protection patrol vessel for the naval service. This new vessel is due to be delivered in October 1999.