Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for vessel replacement for the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23371/10]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Defence if any decisions have been made, or recommendations given to him, on the issue of the vessel replacement programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23491/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which all materials and equipment including seagoing vessels used by the naval service is upgraded, updated or replaced as necessary; the extent to which this has happened over the past three years and is likely to be provided for in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23760/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 50 and 153 together.

A vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service is currently in progress following the commencement of a tender competition in 2007. The competition sought tenders for the purchase of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), with an option for a third, and one Extended Patrol Vessel (EPV), with an option for a second. 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, insofar as the OPVs are concerned, tenders were received in response to Stage 2. Following tender evaluation, a preferred bidder was selected last year and contract negotiations have taken place. The decision to proceed with the final award of contract to purchase the OPVs is subject to Government approval and agreement on funding. Subject to such approval, delivery of the new vessels would be expected to commence on a phased basis from 2014.

The Naval Vessel Replacement Programme was considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This included consideration of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.

In that regard, the particular 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.

The acquisition of new ships for the Naval Service is a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. It is, however, imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces look to whatever efficiencies we can make, taking into account the current difficult economic environment and the overall financial envelope available for the Department for major acquisitions such as new ships over the coming years. The budgetary situation will dictate the level of funding available for new equipment and upgrades in that period and decisions have to be made accordingly.

The acquisition of modern new vessels will ensure that the Service will 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. 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.