Bernard Allen
Ceist:135 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if it is possible to apply for EU contributions for replacement ships for the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4632/00]
Written Answers. - Naval Service Vessels.
Enhancement of Ireland's fishery protection capability is being supported by a five year EU financial aid package for fisheries surveillance, running from 1996 to 2000. Under the package, Ireland has been receiving financial support for a significant programme of investment in fisheries surveillance equipment. The new Naval Service fishery protection vessel, the LE Róisín, has been the principal project to receive funding under the programme. This vessel was commissioned on 15 December 1999 and became operational immediately afterwards. To date a total of £7.6 million has been received in EU funding towards the cost of the LE Róisín and it is anticipated that a further £1.9 million will be received.
Active consideration is being given to exercising the option, contained in the original contract, for the purchase of another Naval Service fishery protection vessel similar to the LE Róisín as a replacement for the LE Deirdre, which has completed almost 28 years in service. The position regarding EU contribution towards the cost of this vessel remains to be clarified.
To date, there has been no notification from the EU regarding a successor to the current financial aid package for fisheries surveillance.