Written answers
Wednesday, 13 December 2023
Department of Defence
Naval Service
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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21. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service vessels in service in March 2023; the number acquired and brought into service since then; the number decommissioned; the number mothballed, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55689/23]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Naval Service, as the State's principal sea-going agency, is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main daily tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks including drug interdiction, search and rescue, and maritime defence and security operations (MDSO).
The Naval Service has recently adopted an three ship operational posture which sees the P60 class vessels on patrol in operational rotation. The decision to reduce the number of operational ships was made as a result of the previously acknowledged recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service, in particular for specialist positions. This strategic decision has been taken in order to streamline operations, bolster existing capabilities, and ensure optimal resource allocation in the Naval Service.
The status of each Naval Service vessel in March 2020 and the current status of each vessel is outlined in the table below.
| Vessel | Status in March 2020 | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| LÉ Eithne (P31) | In Operational Reserve | Decommissioned |
| LÉ Orla (P41 | In Operational Reserve | Decommissioned |
| LÉ Ciara (P42) | Operational | Decommissioned |
| LÉ Roisin (P51) | In Mid-Life refit | In Operational Reserve |
| LÉ Niamh (P52) | Operational | In Mid-Life refit |
| LÉ Samuel Beckett (P61) | Operational | Operational |
| LÉ James Joyce (P62) | Operational | Operational |
| LÉ William Butler Yeats (P63) | Operational | Operational |
| LÉ George Bernard Shaw (P64) | Operational | Operational |
Following a recommendation in December 2021 by a Civil/Military Working Group on Decommissioning, three (3) Naval Service ships (LÉ Eithne P31, LÉ Orla P41, and LÉ Ciara P42) were decommissioned in July 2022.
In addition to the vessels outlined in the tabular statement, two Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) have been purchased from the New Zealand government to replace the LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara. The IPVs are currently undergoing a comprehensive programme of works including crew familiarisation and training which will be completed in 2024.
Marine advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) to replace the now decommissioned former flagship LÉ Eithne. This work is underway and will inform a public tender competition in due course.
I am satisfied that notwithstanding current challenges being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime security operations.
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