Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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308. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to replace vessels in the naval fleet over the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21431/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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A strategy for the replacement of Naval Service Offshore Patrol Vessels is currently in train. A contract was signed in October, 2010 with Babcock Marine in the United Kingdom for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV’s). The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair on the other vessels in the fleet, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level and that the most up to date equipment is available to Naval Service personnel. The cost of the provision of the two new ships is €108m, exclusive of VAT. In addition, the cost of providing a weapons system for the ships, similar to the systems on LE Roisin and LE Niamh, is €7.8m, exclusive of VAT. The construction of the first ship is well advanced in Appledore, UK. In addition, the process of the cutting of steel for the second ship began recently in the shipyard. As per the contract, the first ship is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second ship will follow one year later.

I am satisfied that the equipment issued to the Naval Service is in keeping with the most modern requirements and the highest international standards. The ongoing investment in the Naval Service will ensure that this remains to be the case.