Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
107. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the progress being made towards purchasing a ship to replace the LÉ Eithne, which was the former flagship of the Naval Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71605/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
The capital funding of €1.7 billion allocated to Defence in the latest National Development Plan covering the period 2026 to 2030 represents an increase of €600 million on the previous baseline of €1.1 billion. The revised capital allocations will enable targeted progression on key elements of Government commitments within LOA 2 objectives.
The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended a programme of naval vessel replacement under Level of Ambition 2, to ensure a balanced fleet of a modern ships is reached early in the next decade, this has been accepted in principle by Government.
I intend to develop and finalise a long-term Capability Development Programme 2028 to 2040 which will identify and cost, at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040 across all domains of operation including the maritime and subsea domain.
I also intend to bring a Regeneration Plan for the Naval Service to Government in the new year. This will address the challenges they faced in recent years. In finalising these plans, I as Minister and the Government will make evidence informed decisions on what the balanced fleet of modern ships should be, including decisions regarding the Multi-Role Vessel, and the greater use of technologies. These decisions will also be informed by other relevant information, including the new National Maritime Security Strategy which is expected shortly.
