Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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220. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will ensure that a ship (details supplied) will not be scrapped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45350/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I accepted the recommendation of the Working Group on Decommissioning, dated December 2021 that the decommissioning and disposal of namely LÉ Eithne P31, LÉ Orla P41, and LÉ Ciara P42, should be progressed as soon as is practicable, taking into account resourcing and the current impact of maintaining the ships.

Officials in my Department are examining options on how to dispose of the ships post- decommissioning in the most efficient and effective manner and to ensure that the ships can be taken out of the Naval Service Base in Haulbowline at the earliest opportunity to free up personnel resources, berthage space and to keep the cost of maintenance at the minimum.

Dublin Port and Cork County Council have made representations to me regarding the donating of LÉ Eithne for use as a tourist attraction or a museum piece. In this regard, I asked my officials to consult with these bodies on their proposals and report back to me before I finalise my approach to the disposals. Department officials met with Cork County Council to discuss their plans and following this meeting, the Council has now confirmed that they are no longer interested in acquiring LÉ Eithne. Consultations are ongoing with Dublin Port.

My officials are also exploring the option of a Government-to-Government transfer of LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara. The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing assistance in this regard.

I have not made a final decision on the method of disposal of these vessels, but I hope to finalise my approach to the disposals shortly.