Sorca Clarke
Question:215. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the cost per ship to make the four non-operational ships in the Naval Service fit for purpose. [36916/21]
View answerThursday, 8 July 2021
Questions (215)
Written answers
The Naval Service is the State's principal seagoing agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The main day-to-day role of the Naval Service is to provide a fisheries protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the EU. The service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the exclusive economic zone. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. I am advised by the military authorities that the fleet is managed to ensure maximum availability to meet operational requirements. On any given patrol day, the Naval Service can carry out a number of tasks on behalf of other State agencies such as the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners.
The Naval Service has nine ships in the fleet, of which six are currently available. LÉ Orla and LÉ Eithne are currently in operational reserve, but can be called upon for surge operations in times of national emergency, as was the case when LÉ Eithne was deployed to Cork city from 20 March to 24 June last year in support of Operation Fortitude and the national response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The military authorities have advised that there would be a minimal cost in terms of maintenance, servicing and certification of equipment associated with returning both ships to operational status.
LÉ Niamh is commencing a pre-planned Mid Life Extension Programme of works, similar to one recently completed on LÉ Roisin which has returned into service. LÉ Niamh will return to maritime defence and security operations on completion of works.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.