Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
255. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if contracts related to the acquisition of two vessels from the Royal New Zealand Navy included any provision in relation to the procurement of additional vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28526/23]
View answer266. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the cost of acquiring two ships from the Royal New Zealand Navy; when these ships are expected to enter service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28537/23]
View answer267. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the works it is intended to carry out in relation to two ships acquired from the Royal New Zealand Navy; the projected cost of such works; his intended timeline in relation to such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28538/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 255, 266 and 267 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in that they undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while conducting their primary day-to-day tasking of providing a fishery protection service. At any one time the Naval Service can have a number of ships that are on active operations whilst a number of others are undergoing routine resupply, maintenance and down time for ships companies.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels were purchased for €26 million on a government-to-government basis from New Zealand in 2022, the contract had no provision for additional vessel procurement. Following a year long regeneration and modification programme, the ships were transported to Ireland with shipping costs of some €2.9 million. Additional costs associated with further work and other equipment required prior to the ships commencing operational service in 2024 are expected to be in the region of €3 million. As this project is still ongoing, details and figures are provisional and exclusive of VAT.
