Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I would appreciate all the assistance Deputy O'Shea can provide when I am discussing this matter with the Department of Finance. It is true that the older a vessel, the more difficult and expensive it is to maintain. The position will improve as a result of the implementation of the recommendations in the value for money review. We are all aware that approximately 30 years is the extent of the operational lifetime of any vessel. It is much better than vessels be replaced as the end of that 30-year period approaches. As already stated, I have put in place plans to replace the vessels that are nearing the end of their operational lifetimes. I have not, as yet, been instructed to discontinue the process in this regard.

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