Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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646. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Naval Service vessels are equipped to detect submerged submarines; and if they have the means to force submarines to surface when necessary. [15321/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, have a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards, as required to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government.

However, for operational and security reasons it is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy regarding the capability of Naval Service vessels.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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647. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the LE Aisling was retired from service the reason why it took a year to put it up for sale. [15322/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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LE Aislingwas decommissioned in June 2016 following 36 years of outstanding service to the State.

There are a number of recognised methods for disposing of a ship which has reached the end of its effective or economic service life within the Naval Service. Options available include the donation, or sale by way of public auction which can allow for the refurbishment and reuse of a vessel by a secondary party. Such uses can include operational restoration for further life as a ship, or for use as a museum.

Following the decommissioning of LE Aisling, there was a request from Galway City Council for the vessel to be donated to the people of Galway to be used as a floating museum. In this regard I indicated that I wished to give the matter the fullest consideration and requested Galway City Council to provide a fully costed feasibility study for the use of the formerLE Aislingby the Council. In the absence of the requested proposal I decided that the vessel would be put up for sale by way of public auction and I instructed officials from my Department to proceed with the arrangements for the sale.

In this context the former LE Aislingwas offered for sale by public auction in Cork on Thursday 23 March 2017. The vessel was sold for the sum of €110,000 to a Dutch shipbroker, and the necessary paperwork is being finalised to allow for the removal of the vessel from the Naval Base in Haulbowline.