Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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565. To ask the Minister for Finance the full costs to the State involved in storing and maintaining the MV Matthew ship since it was seized; the details of the disposal process; and the reason for the long delay involved. [46632/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that on 2 December 2024, the Special Criminal Court authorised the release of the MV Matthew, thereby facilitating its disposal. It was not possible to commence the disposal process prior to this date.

I have been further advised by Revenue that it was necessary to retain a globally recognised provider of integrated shipping services with an international breadth of expertise, not just in ship broking but also in finance, research, compliance and all aspects of international shipping. A broker was engaged in December 2024. The bidding process concluded in Q1 2025 and a preferred bidder was identified.

There are a significant number of regulatory obligations which must be fulfilled in order to finalise the disposal of the MV Matthew and to facilitate the removal of the vessel from Cork Harbour. Since March 2025, Revenue has been actively engaging with the vessel’s Flag State (Panama) to ensure that these regulatory requirements are satisfied. It should be noted, however, that the manner in which regulatory processes were conducted by the previous owner and the use of the vessel as a conveyance for international drug smuggling has resulted in certain difficulties and delays in the disposal process. Following engagement between Revenue, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Panamanian officials, it is anticipated that these difficulties can be addressed and progress in the disposal process can be made.

The table below outlines the total payments made in respect of the MV Matthew from September 2023 to end July 2025: