Ceist:
61 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a detailed account of the use to date by the naval service of the 64 foot ketch, Brime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18079/98]
Written Answers - Naval Service Vessels.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:86 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update regarding the proposed sale of five naval service vessels; the approximate amount of money he expects to raise from the sale of the vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18078/98]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:88 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence if the condition of the 64 foot ketch, Brime, has deteriorated since it came into possession of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18080/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 86 and 88 together.
On 28 August 1998 my Department placed advertisements in the national newspapers for the sale, by tender, of five small vessels which are surplus to Naval Service requirements. The closing date for receipt of tenders was 30 September 1998.
One of the vessels, theBrime, was detained by the Naval Service in July 1993 and found to contain some two tonnes of cannabis resin. In December 1995 the Circuit Court made an order of forfeiture in favour of the Minister for Defence. Consideration was given to the question of refurbishing the vessel for use by the Naval Service. When it was taken over it was found to have a number of major defects and an expert survey was commissioned by the Department to ascertain the likely nature and cost of repairs. The findings indicated that extensive repairs would be necessary to bring the vessel up to Naval Service requirements at a cost which was considered to be uneconomic. Accordingly, a decision was taken on 1 October 1997, by the then Minister for Defence, to dispose of the vessel. Because of the need to clarify a number of legal issues in regard to ownership of the vessel it was not possible to finalise the sale arrangements before now.
Another vessel for sale, theNancy Bet, has been in use as a training vessel by the Southern Company, An Slua Muirí. Over the past three years motor launches have been purchased for all companies of An Slua Muirí and there is no longer a requirement to retain the Nancy Bet. These motor launches have low maintenance costs and can be used in operational and training roles.
The remaining vessels for sale, three liberty boats, are all serviceable and in working order. They are now surplus to Naval Service requirements having been removed from Naval Service ships to make room for extra Avon sea riders. The sea riders are rigid inflatable boats and are used primarily for boardings at sea and can also double as liberty boats.