Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator John O'Mahony for raising this matter. I attended the ceremony held in Galway on Wednesday, 22 June 2016 to mark the decommissioning of LE Aislingfollowing 36 years of outstanding service to the State. The proud record of the ship in operational service with the Naval Service was duly recognised and the range of activities which the ship was involved in was recalled and commended. The former LE Aislingwas twinned with Galway and its long association with the city of the tribes was also noted and remembered. While in service the former LE Aislingtravelled in excess of 628,000 nautical miles, equivalent to circumnavigating the globe 32 times. The crew boarded more than 5,500 vessels at sea and detained more than 220 fishing vessels. The former LE Aislingwas involved in many successful operations, the most notable of which include the arrest of the Marita Annin 1984. It was also the first vessel on the scene of the Air India disaster in 1985, for which operation several of the crew were decorated.

In pursuit of our commitment to progress the ships replacement programme as set out in the White Paper on Defence, the Government has provided a significant increase in capital funding to enhance capabilities across the Defence Forces. The LE William Butler Yeatswill replace the former LE Aislingand is scheduled for delivery shortly. The signing of a contract last month for the supply of a fourth sister vessel to augment the Naval Service fleet is a tangible demonstration of this commitment. LE William Butler Yeatswill be the third ship to be delivered under the current Naval Service vessel replacement programme. LE Samuel Beckettwas commissioned into service in 2014, followed by LE James Joycein September 2015. LE Samuel Beckettand LE James Joycereplaced LE Emerand LE Aoife, respectively, which were withdrawn from service on delivery of the new ships. LE Emerwas disposed of in 2013 by way of sale by public auction and €320,000 was realised to the Exchequer in this regard. LE Deirdrewas similarly disposed of in 2001 for £190,000. A slightly different situation arose in 2015 in relation to the disposal of the LE Aoife. The original intention was to sell LE Aoifeby way of public auction in the same manner. However, following a formal expression of interest from the Maltese authorities in acquiring LE Aoifeand subsequent discussions between the then Minister for Defence and the Maltese Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, the plan to sell the ship was reconsidered. The Maltese authorities requested the ship for their armed forces to patrol the Mediterranean Sea to endeavour to deal with the ongoing difficult refugee crisis in the region. The then Minister agreed to the transfer of ownership of LE Aoifeto the Maltese Armed Forces on humanitarian grounds. While the vessel was no longer viable for use in Irish waters, it was ideally suited to address a pressing short-term requirement.

I understand the level of interest that the decommissioning of a Naval Service vessel generates. The possibility of donating a vessel as a museum or visitor attraction also arose in connection with the disposals of the former LE Deirdre, LE Emer andLE Aoife. However, I am advised that the age, size, structure and layout of Naval Service vessels mean they are considered rather unsuitable for conversion for use as museums or visitor attractions. While my first priority is the appropriate disposal of defence equipment, I am aware that many issues arise in connection with the conversion of vessels for other roles. This is because a vessel requires ongoing protection measures in respect of its physical condition to defend it and to guard it from deterioration. Indeed, a vessel must be kept structurally sound, weather resistant and watertight. This requires the availability of materials and competent personnel with the requisite skills and expertise to carry out work at a significant cost. There are further considerations in relation to a vessel's use as a tourist attraction. Large scale work would be required of the recipient to protect the physical condition of the vessel from deterioration or damage. Further work would be involved in stabilising the structural integrity of the vessel and providing for its essential ongoing long-term maintenance. Recipients face other significant costs associated with a donation of this type including those associated with health and safety issues and insurance liabilities and risks. The most cost-effective approach will have to be taken into consideration in informing my decision on this matter. I will determine the approach to the disposal of the LE Aislingvery shortly and will take all of these matters into account.