Thank you Deputy for the question. 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 LÉ 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 LÉ 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.
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 reach 580 patrol days. This is an increase of over 35% on the outputs from 2024 when 428 patrol days were completed.
The Defence Forces routinely monitor activity within the Irish EEZ, utilising both Naval Service and Air Corps assets. In addition to at-sea patrols, the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline carries out remote monitoring of the Irish EEZ on a 24/7 basis. The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron also carry out aerial surveillance of the Irish EEZ using C295 maritime patrol aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment.
