Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I am not certain when the next two ships are planned for replacement. However, as a person from a coastal county myself, I assure the Deputy that I am mindful of the very important job carried out by the Naval Service. The Taoiseach recently travelled on one of the naval vessels and was greatly impressed by the extensive work carried out and the important nature of that work, whether in fisheries, drug interceptions or otherwise. The general public is probably not aware of the extent of the work carried out by the Naval Service. On a recent visit to Haulbowline, at which Deputy Stanton was in attendance, I was very impressed by the duty and dedication to their work of the staff, who conduct themselves in a very professional manner in sometimes difficult and dangerous circumstances at sea.

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