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Naval Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022

Thursday, 8 September 2022

Questions (798)

Pat Buckley

Question:

798. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish Naval Service ships that are currently in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44047/22]

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Written answers

The Naval Service currently has a fleet of six ships.  One ship is in the process of a mid-life re-fit which is expected to last 18 - 24 months.  There are five operational ships that remain available at present.

Three naval service vessels, LÉ Eithne, LÉ Ciara and LÉ Orla were decommissioned on Friday, 8th July of this year.

Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, it is expected these vessels will be transported to Ireland in 2023 following the completion of a programme of works.

Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of multi-role vessel (MRV) to replace the flagship, LÉ Eithne, this work is underway and will inform a public tender competition in due course. The MRV is an important element of the Defence Equipment Development Plan and is provided for in the Government's National Development Plan as a major capital project. It is the Government’s intention that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks

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