Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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17. To ask the Minister for Defence the consideration that has been given by his Department to additional replacements and further modernisation of the naval fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25609/14]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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A Defence Forces vessel replacement strategy has been in progress since 2007. This investment strategy was underscored by the commitment in the 2000 White Paper on Defence to ensure an eight ship flotilla. As the Deputy may be aware, the first of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels was commissioned last month, as the L.E. Samuel Beckett, and has been deployed and is now on its maiden patrol in Irish waters.

A second purpose built Off Shore Patrol Vessel, the L.E. James Joyce, is scheduled for delivery in early 2015. This will be similar in design to the L.E. Samuel Beckett.

Under the contract with Babcock International for the provision of these two new Vessels, there is an option for a further third ship to be delivered. Following recent negotiations with the shipbuilder, an order has been placed for a third and identical Vessel at a price of €54m, excluding VAT.

By taking up this option the Department has secured that the third ship will be acquired on the basis of the actual build costs of LE Samuel Beckett. This ensures that the vessel replacement programme is conducted in the most cost effective and timely manner. In addition, the Department secures an added advantage of standardising the new Vessels coming into the fleet.

This Third ship, for delivery in mid 2016, will be identical in build to the recently commissioned LÉ Samuel Beckett and the LÉ James Joyce.

This vessel replacement 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.

The acquisition of these new vessels with the very latest equipment suites will ensure that the Naval Service will be fully equipped to carry out its day to day roles in enforcing the State’s sovereign rights over our waters and meeting Ireland’s obligations in the area of maritime safety and security and fisheries protection.

The forthcoming White Paper on Defence will address the future capability requirements for the Defence Forces encompassing the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service.