John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 490: To ask the Minister for Defence the age of each ship in the Naval Service; if there is a replacement programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12829/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Details of the eight ships in the Naval Service fleet are as follows:

In the White Paper on Defence, the Government decided that the Naval Service will be developed around the provision of an flotilla of eight ships. In recent years two new ships have been delivered to the Naval Service and the service is operating with the recommended eight ships. The total cost of the two ships was €50 million. Both ships have proved to be tremendous assets to the Naval Service in carrying out its various day-to-day roles. The Government is committed to continuous investment in the equipment needs of the Naval Service that will maintain the eight ship flotilla.