168. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the Naval Service’s current fleet complement; the number of ships that are fully crewed and at sea; his Department’s plans for the further upgrading of the fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18005/25]

Sentiment score: 0.07

Will the Minister for Defence outline the Naval Service current fleet complement, the number of ships that are fully crewed and at sea, and his Department's plans for further upgrading of the fleet? Will he please make a statement on the matter?

Sentiment score: 0.26

I thank the Tánaiste for his response. I have huge respect for the Naval Service and the job it does. I have family members directly involved in the service. I was pleased to see the significant increase in funding provided to the Defence Forces in the last budget. I particularly welcome the Commission on the Defence Forces' recommendation of an accelerated programme of naval vessel replacement. In reference to this, how many of the current fleet have completed a mid-life extension programme to date, and how many are proposed to undergo such a programme in the future?

Sentiment score: 0.39