Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As part of the arrangements for the first two vessels, there was an option for a third vessel. As I understand it, that option is still a possibility. In that context there is an issue with regard to terms of contract, price and when it might be delivered. My focus at present is on the delivery of our first one. It is appropriate that we have called it the Samuel Beckett. It was one of the first decisions confirmed by the Cabinet on the formation of this Government, on foot of a memorandum I brought to Cabinet with regard to the purchase of this vessel. One of the reasons for calling it the Samuel Beckettis that we have been waiting for Godot since March of 2011, but we are currently doing an assessment. I am very conscious of the age of the naval fleet - this is more relevant in regard to ships than in regard to aircraft because of the capacity to replace parts and the manner in which aircraft age - and it is very important that we continue to retain essential capacities around coasts. I am looking at that issue at present but I cannot say any more than that.