Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

On Deputy Deenihan's first question, I recall that interview which took place at Haulbowline naval base. A number of members of the media to whom I spoke on that occasion asked what was the position on the ship replacement programme and I told them I was seeking funding from the Government to replace, over a period of time, three ships that are nearing the end of their useful lifespans. There was speculation about the amount of money that would be involved. A figure of €104 million was mentioned. I would hope we would be able to do it for less. We are discussing specific figures with the preferred tender, but until such time as I get approval from the Government I do not want to say any more on that. The House can be assured that I am making strenuous efforts in the course of the budgetary discussions we are having at present to get money for ship replacement.

I am aware that, further to the LE Emer being power washed recently, a hole of approximately 4cm in diameter was found in the hull. Following an ultrasound operation put in place to test the hull generally, two other areas gave rise to concern. As a result, the steel from the hull has gone to a laboratory and tests are being conducted. Of course, repairs were carried out where they were necessary. It required a further dry-docking of the ship for an extra three weeks, and an extra €100,000. It was a fairly expensive job. That is what happens when ships get older and that is why we must replace them after a certain period of time.

On the noise issue raised by Deputy Deenihan, I am aware that noise is a problem in the three oldest ships. It is not a problem in the newer ships and it certainly will not be a problem in any replacements. We have conducted surveys on the three oldest ships. We have spent money on the LE Emer, which is the oldest ship. The jury is still out, to a certain extent, following tests on whether it has necessarily done a great deal of good and we are now faced with perhaps incurring considerable expenditure to alleviate the situation on the LE Emer. We are examining that closely at present. Those are the problems one encounters as ships get older.

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