Vol. 505 No. 2
94 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 28 January 1999 the progress regarding the refurbishment of the LE Orla and LE Ciara; the cost in this regard; where the refurbishment is to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13413/99]
LE Orla is scheduled to come off patrol in September 1999 in order to undergo a life extension programme. A figure of £1.57 million has been allocated for the refurbishment work in this year's estimates. The contracts necessary to complete the work have yet to be decided. Important factors in this regard will be that the work is carried out to the highest standard and to the best economic advantage to the Department. LE Ciara is scheduled to be refurbished in 2000 and arrangements relating to the carrying out of the work will be considered in due course.
95 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence his views on the role of the Naval dockyard; the plans, if any, he has to upgrade this dockyard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13414/99]
The role of the Naval dockyard is to provide engineering expertise and manpower to ensure that Naval Service vessels are maintained in a safe, efficient and economic manner thereby guaranteeing the maximum availability of ships to meet the operational commitments of the Naval Service. The dockyard primarily provides second and third-line maintenance which complements the first-line work carried out by Naval Service technicians. Refurbishment and upgrading of the dockyard infrastructure and equipment are undertaken as and when required, the most recent project being the complete replacement of the masthouse roof at a cost of £189,000.
