Vol. 499 No. 2
74 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the cost of the refit of the vessel the le Eithne currently taking place; whether outside tenders were sought; if so, the results in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2376/99]
The le Eithne is currently undergoing a half-life refit in the Naval Dockyard, Haulbowline, and work is expected to be complete in the next few weeks. The estimated cost of the refit is £2.06 million and certain supplies and services, which could not be supplied by the Naval Dockyard, were procured through tender competitions organised by this Department. Refits involve replacing and/or refurbishing obsolete or deteriorated equipment and are necessary to extend the operational life of a vessel.
In recent years four other vessels – le Emer, le Deirdre, le Aoife and le Aisling– have been refitted. These refits have been facilitated on a part-cost recoupment basis under the European Union Fishery Protection Programmes. The two remaining vessels –le Orla and le Ciara– will undergo similar refurbishment over the next two years, starting with le Orla later this year.
