Written answers

Thursday, 8 October 2009

Department of Defence

Naval Service Vessels

5:00 pm

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on the recommendation in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes that the vessel replacement programme for the Naval Service be extended over a longer timeframe than initially envisaged; if it is intended to implement this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34785/09]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will extend the vessel replacement programme for the Naval Service flotilla over a longer timeframe. [34856/09]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 44 together.

The recommendation in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes was that the Naval Service Vessel Replacement Programme be extended over a longer timeframe than initially envisaged.

In effect, we are in compliance with this recommendation, when you consider that the ships are supposed to have a nominal lifespan of 30 years. Originally, the vessel replacement programme was due to run from 2008 to 2012 but, subject to Government approval on funding, the earliest that a replacement vessel can now be delivered will be 2012 or possibly early 2013, with further replacement vessels following in subsequent years – the details of which will not be finalised until a contract is signed for the proposed replacement Offshore Patrol Vessels.

In effect this will mean that the lifespan of the current vessels will be extended as they will not now be replaced until they have been in service for at least 34 years.

The Naval Vessel Replacement Programme will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government.

It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.

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