Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Naval Service fleet; if there is an adequate number of personnel in the service to keep all ships operational when needed; the number of ships that have been docked at Haulbowline for more than six-months in the past three years; the exact duration that they have been docked; and the reason they have been docked. [49101/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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A number of significant initiatives have been introduced in recent years in relation to pay and other non-pay conditions, most notably the introduction of a significantly enhanced Patrol Duty allowance. Together with the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Naval Service, these initiatives have resulted in the stabilisation of Naval Service strength, with indications of growth in recruit numbers at entry level, and through re-entry schemes.

The personnel strength of the Naval Service, as at 31 July 2025, was 745 personnel out of the establishment of 1,094 personnel. In 2024 a total of 97 personnel were inducted into the Naval Service with a further 84 personnel inducted up to 31 August 2025.

The Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight vessels. Four of the vessels are regularly deployed on Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO). These four vessels consist of three P60 class vessels as well as the L.É. Aoibhinn (P71) with all four vessels conducting patrols on a rotation basis.

The fourth P60 vessel is currently undergoing a period of pre-planned maintenance, while the LE Gobnait (P72) is nearing completion of necessary works prior to being brought into operational service as decided by the Military authorities. The two P50 class vessels namely LÉ Roisin (P51) and LÉ Niamh (P52) are currently in Operational Reserve following completion of a Mid-Life Extension Programme for both ships. The Deputy will appreciate that, for operational and security reasons, it would not be appropriate to disclose further details of the operational deployment of individual vessels in the Naval Service.

Extensive work is ongoing to oversee a turnaround in the level of operational activity by our Naval Service and to this end I instructed a team consisting senior military officers, led by our Chief of Staff, and my senior officials to conduct a detailed workshop with the Naval Service. I am advised that on foot of same, a Naval Service Regeneration Plan will be submitted to me shortly by the military authorities for my consideration.