Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2018
127. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 286 of 26 October 2017, the estimated cost of the additional multi-role vessel that is proposed for purchase for the Naval Service; if a decision to put the provision of the MRV out to tender has been taken in view of a news report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4263/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper provides for the replacement of the current Naval Service flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi role vessel (MRV) which will be enabled for helicopter operations and will also have a freight carrying capacity. It is the Government’s intent that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks, both at home and overseas.
Planning has commenced on this project and it is intended to hold a public tender competition in due course to cover the supply of the MRV. This, of course, is subject to the availability of funding within the overall Defence capital funding envelope. The cost of the MRV will only be known once the tender competition is concluded.
The acquisition of a modern vessel will ensure that the operational capabilities of the Naval Service, as the State’s principal seagoing agency, are maintained to the greatest extent and taking account of the overall policy approach in the White Paper on Defence.
