John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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123. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the convention that is in place in the event of the Naval Service purchasing new vessels for the naming of these vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34174/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Naming of new vessels and commissioning ceremonies are carried out prior to vessels joining the Naval Service fleet. The tradition, following the establishment of the Naval Service, was to name vessels after Irish female mythological figures. In 2013, the then Minister instructed that a review of the naming policy should be undertaken and following that review the Minister came to the view that the naming of the ships after world renowned Irish literary figures reflected a more modern and inclusive Ireland.

The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme is ongoing. It is expected that the two Inshore Patrol Vessels, recently purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, will be transported to Ireland in 2023 following the completion of a programme of works. While a project is underway to replace the flagship, LÉ Eithne, with a multi-role vessel, it is expected to take a number of years before that vessel is delivered in to service. Decisions relating to the naming of vessels that join the Naval Service fleet at dates in the future have yet to be taken.