Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2015
13. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence his plans or proposals for the recently decommissioned LÉ (Long Éireann) Aoife naval vessel; and when the LÉ (Long Éireann) James Joyce will arrive and replace the LÉ Aoife. [6875/15]
View answerLÉ Aoife was decommissioned from the Naval Service fleet on 31st January 2015 following 35 years of service. The ceremony took place in Waterford as the ship had a long association with the city.
The proud record of the ship in operational service with the Naval Service was duly recognised and the range of activities which the ship was involved in was recalled and commended.
With regard to the future of LÉ Aoife, the intention was, as with LÉ Emer, to sell the decommissioned ship at a public auction. However, I am considering a formal approach from the Maltese Minister for Home Affairs and National Security in which they have outlined interest in acquiring LÉ Aoife.
Following discussions with my Maltese counterpart, I understand that the Maltese authorities require this ship for their armed forces to patrol the Mediterranean Sea to endeavour to deal with the ongoing difficult refugee crisis in the region.
Recent tragic events in that part of the Mediterranean have underlined the significant challenges which need to be addressed by the international community. In the circumstances, I wish to advise the Deputy that I am favourably disposed to acceding to the request from the Maltese authorities on humanitarian grounds. I will discuss the matter further with my colleague, the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, when I meet him later today at an EU Defence Ministers Informal Council in Riga.
The Naval Service Ships Replacement Programme continues to move ahead with the sea acceptance trials for LÉ James Joyce scheduled to take place in the middle of March 2015 in the United Kingdom. Subject to the successful outcome of these trials, the ship will be handed over to the Department of Defence.
Details of the formal naming and commissioning of LÉ James Joyce into operational service will be finalised when the ship arrives into Ireland.
