Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 578: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the procurement of new naval vessels for the Naval Service [39770/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Following a two-stage tender competition a contract has recently been awarded to the preferred bidder, Babcock Marine, for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service. The contract value is of the order of €100m. Preparations for the construction of these new vessels have commenced and the first new vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second vessel will follow one year later. The acquisition of these modern new vessels, 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.