Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are approximately 16 cables off the coast.

They are significant arteries of communication, transferring financial, personal and many other kinds of data from individuals, small businesses and global headquarters based here. Having seen the Nord Stream situation and the Russian exercise being conducted in this area, where those cables are at their shallowest depth, earlier this year, this is a real concern for many people. It is good to know the Minister has additional finance for the armed services and the navy and that he is upgrading the different vessels. The replacements for the LÉ Orlaand the LÉ Ciarahave already been purchased and are coming from New Zealand but they are not due for another year. Is there a way to expedite their delivery? On subsea capability, how long can something realistically be deployed for in that area? I understand the Minister has the finance for people and equipment, but what is a realistic timeframe for the acquisition and deployment of subsea assets to conduct that kind of monitoring?

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