David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 25: To ask the Minister for Defence if he expects the replacement of vessels in Naval flotilla to happen line with original proposed schedule; Department Finance has given any indication as whether replacements will be made that contingency plans his replace one should safety concerns require immediate retirement a current ship view importance war against drugs and piracy small size flotilla; make statement on matter. [30265/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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A strategy for the replacement of Naval Service offshore patrol vessels, OPVs, is currently in progress following the commencement of a tender competition in 2007. The competition sought tenders for the purchase of two OPVs with an option for a third. The process comprised two stages – stage 1, a request for proposals and stage 2, an invitation to tender.

During 2008, stage 1 of the tender process was completed and tenders were received in response to stage 2. Following tender evaluation, a preferred bidder was selected last year and detailed and extensive contract negotiations are now close to conclusion. The decision to proceed with the final award of the contract to purchase the OPVs is subject to these negotiations reaching a satisfactory outcome and Government approval of the 2011 Estimates. Subject to a satisfactory conclusion of the contract negotiations, delivery of the new vessels would be expected to commence on a phased basis from 2014. This strategy, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level.

The acquisition of modern new vessels will ensure that the service continues to be fully equipped to carry out its day to day roles in enforcing the State's sovereign rights over our waters and our fisheries and meeting Ireland's obligations in the area of maritime safety and security and fisheries protection.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister optimistic that the purchase of those two vessels will go ahead? Will he inform the House as to the size of the vessels that are being considered, bearing in mind that the it appears the seas are getting rougher and some of the ships we have find it difficult to negotiate some high seas? Will he also say what his views are with respect to at least two of the offshore patrol vessels, whose normal replacement date has passed at this stage?

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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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.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Will the Minister agree these ships' normal lifespans are 30 years and that two them are older than that? While waiting for the new vessels to come on-stream, are there contingency plans in the event of one or either of the older ships becoming non-operational?

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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We have been fortunate that the vessels in question have not indicated major difficulties and have been very well cared for. While 30 years is the normal lifespan for one of these ships, I do not anticipate any difficulties. Some maintenance issues requiring dry-docking have been attended to more than competently. I accept Deputy Stanton's concern that even if I were in a position to sign the contracts next November, there will still be a considerable lead-in time.