Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The Naval Service commits a number of its annual patrol days to foreign deployments. In 2011, 54 days out of a total of 1,480 patrol days were committed to visits outside Irish waters. Following discussions between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, my Department, and the Naval Service, locations are considered on the basis of the optimum yield that can be derived for Ireland.

The tabular statement contains information on the locations visited by the Naval Service over the past five years and the purpose of these deployments. Details of the costs in relation to these visits are also included for 2010 and 2011, and the costs in relation to 2007 to 2009, inclusive, are currently being compiled. I will ensure that the outstanding data is forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

See this speech in context