Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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174. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of providing the Naval Service with a balanced fleet that would include tier 3-type OPVs, that is, fully integrated and combat-orientated platforms providing multi-asset integration in a defensive role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45199/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.

The Commission on the Defence Forces specifically recommended an accelerated programme of naval vessel replacement, to ensure a balanced fleet of nine modern ships is reached by early in the next decade. This recommendation has been accepted in principle by Government, and planning is underway for the potential procurement of a multi role vessel for the Naval Service which would bring to nine the number of ships in the fleet.

Within the context of a decision being taken by Government that the capability requirements of the Defence Forces need to step up to LOA 3, the Commission recommended that by 2040 the Naval Service would comprise a balanced fleet of at least 12 ships, including Tier 3 type OPVs , supported by appropriate technology as part of a joint Defence Forces structure.

The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces sets out the requirement to complete a ‘LOA3 capacity and capability assessment’ during 2027 with any decision regarding a ‘move to LOA3 to be decided’ by mid 2028. The cost of a move to LOA3, including the cost associated with the move to a balanced fleet of at least 12 ships, will be examined as part of this capacity and capability assessment.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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175. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total cost estimated to provide for a new east coast naval base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45200/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Report of the Commission on Defence Forces calls for the development of an East Coast base for the Naval Service. While IPVs can currently operate from Haulbowline, it is a strategic goal of the Defence Forces to develop a Forward Operating Base on the East Coast.

On 25 October, I instructed my officials to enter into discussions with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to secure berthage space in Dún Laoghaire harbour. The securing of berthage facilities in Dún Laoghaire will support the operational activity of the recently commissioned Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV’s), particularly in patrolling the East Coast.

My Department will engage with the County Council to agree on terms for the use of Carlisle Pier over the short term. A detailed business case is currently being developed by the Defence Forces for the longer term Naval Service presence on the East Coast and pending receipt of same I am not in a position to comment on estimated costs associated with same.