Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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79. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of all Irish Naval Service vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26620/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Naval Service are currently adopting a three ship operational posture, which sees the four 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.

In addition to the four P60 class vessels, there are two vessels in the P50 class namely LÉ Roisin (P51) and LÉ Niamh (P52). LÉ Roisin is currently in Operational Reserve while LÉ Niamh is in the process of completing a Mid Life Extension Programme after which she will also enter operational reserve.

Two Inshore Patrol Vessels were purchased on a government-to-government basis from New Zealand in 2022, these vessels were delivered to the Naval Base in Haulbowline in May 2023. LÉ Aoibhinn (P71) is currently undergoing assessment for Initial Operational Capability. The deployment of LÉ Gobnait (P72) will follow the completion of the works on board LÉ Aoibhinn.