Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Detailed and extensive contract negotiations are close to conclusion and at that point a decision will have to be made on the timing of the purchase of vessels and no more than any other element of public service that will have to be considered in the context of the current budgetary constraints. A considerable amount of work has been done on foot of the tender competition. I am not in a position to say at this point when a final decision will be made but it is clear that the question of replacing naval vessels is one that must be kept under review.

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