Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Will the Minister confirm whether an article that appeared on a national newspaper on 11 September last, stating that he was seeking €104 million for two new patrol vessels and a sail training vessel, is correct? Did he approach the Government for this funding at that time?

Is he aware that during the summer when the three ships in question, LE Emer, LE Aoife and LE Aisling, were in dry dock for cleaning purposes faults and structural cracks were discovered on the hull of the ships? This must be serious. Is the Minister concerned about this?

I understand that as ships get older, the noise level emanating from them increases. The reports I receive state that there is excessive noise on these ships. Is the Minister making provision to measure this noise in case it might cause damage to those on board?

I am sure the Minister would agree that the Naval Service is now playing a more important and vital role, especially in the interception of drugs coming into this country, and for that reason alone he should make a case to Government for the immediate replacement of these three vessels.

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