Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The costs will have to be worked out as the process evolves because when the ships have been commissioned, their lifespan of 30 years must be included in calculations. For example, the LE Emer was commissioned in 1978, the LE Aoife in 1979, the LE Aisling in 1980 and the LE Eithne in 1984. Costs will arise through an incremental period.

I agree with the Deputy that drug trafficking is a key issue to be addressed, particularly on the basis of recent examples. Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking and other such illegal activities rests primarily with the Garda and the Revenue Commissioners. However, the White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work. There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service in this important area. In particular, the larger vessel proposed will enable the Naval Service to patrol over a greater range and for longer periods than is possible at present and accordingly will provide an added deterrent to likely drug traffickers.

The Deputy is right in saying we need a combination of larger and smaller vessels. In fact, I understand there are three types: the CPV, the coastal patrol vessel; the OPV, the offshore patrol vessel; and the EPV, the extended patrol vessel. They are looking at all of these options. Also, bulk buying is an issue. Two can be bought instead of one, for instance. There is much work to be done, the process is ongoing and we have to meet the requirements because of the lifespan of these vessels. We certainly take on board what Deputies have said here today.

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