Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The White Paper on Defence sets out an ambitious programme of capital investment, including mid-life refit and upgrade of the P50 class vessels, LÉ Róisín and LÉ Niamh.

The P50 class of vessels in the Naval Service ship flotilla were built in Appledore Shipyard in the UK. LÉ Róisín (P51) was commissioned in 1999, with LÉ Niamh (P52) commissioned in 2001. The service life of an Irish Naval Service ship is determined by the level of operational activity. It is, however, normal practice in a ship’s life to carry out a Mid-Life Extension Programme so as to extend the useful life of a ship to thirty (or more) years.

LÉ Róisín returned to operational service last year following a pre-planned Mid-Life Extension Programme of works. A similar programme of work is currently progressing on LÉ Niamh, with the majority of the work on schedule to be completed this year. Following completion of work in early 2023 and the subsequent re-equipping of military equipment, trials are expected to be completed by mid-year after which LÉ Niamh will return to maritime operations.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.