Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 6

Written Answers. - Naval Service Vessels.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

209 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has for the modernisation of naval ships and equipment, with particular reference to fisheries protection and in view of Ireland's location as a maritime nation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9156/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

In recent years, considerable sums have been expended under the Defence Vote in updating Naval Service equipment. Total amounts spent on such equipment for the past five years are as follows: 1995 – £4.3 million, 1996 – £4.1 million, 1997 – £10.1 million, 1998 – £15.5 million; and 1999 – £16.0 million. The provision for expenditure on Naval Service equipment in 2000 is £16.48 million.

The most important development for the Naval Service in recent years has been the delivery and commissioning of LE Róisín, the first new ship in the Naval fleet since LE Eithne in 1984. The new ship, which was part funded by the EU, cost in the region of £22.5 million. Reports from the Naval Service in relation to the ship's performance are very satisfactory.

I was very pleased to announce recently that the Government had approved the purchase of a second new fishery protection vessel of the same type as LE Róisín as a replacement for LE Deirdre which is approaching the end of its economic service life. I expect to be in a position to sign the contract for the new ship next month.

Major works have been carried out in the naval base over recent years, again with substantial assistance from the EU, in the refitting of Naval Service ships. Refits involve replacing and/or refurbishing obsolete or deteriorated equipment and are necessary to extend the operational life of a vessel. In 1999, a half-life refit of LEEithne was completed in the Naval Dockyard, Haulbowline, at an estimated cost of £2.06 million. In previous years, four other vessels – LE Deirdre, LE Emer, LE Aoife and LE Aisling– have been similarly refitted. The LE Orla is being refitted at present and the remaining Naval ship, LE Ciara is due to undergo similar refurbishment later this year.