Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

33. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current status of the Naval Service fleet, specifying each vessel by name, class, age, current operational status, and whether it is currently seaworthy and crewed to full complement; the number of sea days recorded by the Naval Service in each of the years 2019 to 2025 inclusive; how this compares to any target sea days figure recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces or set by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17569/26]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight commissioned vessels. These eight vessels consist of two P50 class large patrol vessels, four P60 class offshore patrol vessels, and two P70 inshore patrol vessels. There are four vessels available for operations on a rotation basis. This rotation takes account of maintenance, crew training and rest periods.

The table below details the current status of the eight commissioned Naval Service vessels:

The LÉ Gobnait (P72) is nearing completion of necessary works prior to being brought into operational service during 2026.

Challenges with ships to sea has been well documented in recent years. During 2025 we have seen the benefit of a number of initiatives which have been introduced in recent years, such as the doubling of patrol duty allowance payable. As a result of these initiatives we have seen the number of patrol days completed by the Naval Service in 2025 increase by over 35% on the outputs from 2024.

The table below outlines the number of patrol days completed by the Naval Service in each of the years from 2019 - 2025: