Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

279. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the multi-role vessel project for the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29594/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 is reached by early in the next decade. This recommendation has been accepted in principle by Government and as such work is underway to consider and inform next steps.