Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to replace the ships of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17469/05]

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Defence if it is planned to augment the capability of the Naval Service through the acquisition of new craft or the refurbishment of existing vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17549/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 51 together.

In the White Paper on defence, the Government decided that the Naval Service will be developed around the provision of an eight ship flotilla. 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.

There is a continuous process of refurbishment of the current fleet. Through a combination of improved support/operational systems and equipment and ongoing maintenance, the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a high level. The Government remains committed to continuous investment in the equipment needs of the Naval Service that will maintain the eight ship flotilla.