Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I am not a great expert on the dimensions of ships and descriptions of them but it is true that new ships, should they be acquired, will be at the larger end of the scale because of the maritime conditions, as outlined by Deputy Stanton. The decision on whether to proceed this year or next, will depend on two factors. First, there is some work to be done on the conclusion of negotiations and following that, approval by the Government. While two of the ships, as the Deputy says, are reaching the notional age at which it is perhaps not wise to have them in service for much longer, the fact is that they are in very good shape. The engineers in the Naval Service have done wonderful work. I was on board LE Aoife on Saturday and it is in very good shape.

I was taken down to the engine room where I was very impressed by the enthusiasm of a young engineer.

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