In A Programme for a Partnership Government there are various commitments to funding across many sectors. In that context, I am sure the Taoiseach will agree that the sale of any State asset should realise full and proper value for the people. We all read this morning that the LE Aisling was sold by the Department of Defence for €110,000 and is now on the market in Holland for an estimated €683,000. We have all heard the expression that one has to speculate to accumulate but this seems to be remarkable mark-up and the public is wondering why the taxpayer did not get a better price. Can the Taoiseach comment on the reason a reserve value was not set for that auction? Why was an independent valuation not sought for the LE Aisling?

The LE Aisling was decommissioned. It was 37 years old. It was sold by way of public auction in Cork on 23 March this year. It was decommissioned as it had far exceeded its life expectancy of 20 to 25 years. The sale was handled by Mr. Daly, a Cork-based agent and an expert in the field, who also handled the sale by auction of the decommissioned LE Emer in 2013 to a Nigerian registered company for €320,000, and the sale of the former LE Deirdre in 2001 to a UK company for €190,000. The same approach was followed in respect of the LE Aisling. I am advised that Mr. Daly is a ships sales broker with almost 40 years' experience and very strong international connections. The auction was advertised by the ship's auctioneer in the international publications, TradeWinds, which is a global shipping and maritime news publication, Lloyd's List, and the Afloat magazine.

I am also advised that following her withdrawal from service, the retention of LE Aisling at the naval base at Haulbowline was creating considerable pressure on Naval Service resources, including berthage space. It is estimated the retention of the vessel since its decommissioning from June last year to April this year cost approximately €370,000 for the assignment of a skeleton crew and approximately €10,000 on tug hire costs. While a crew was posted to LE Aisling, the personnel could not be deployed to other operational units where they were needed.