174. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the cost of providing the Naval Service with a balanced fleet that would include tier 3-type OPVs, that is, fully integrated and combat-orientated platforms providing multi-asset integration in a defensive role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45199/24]

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.

The Commission on the Defence Forces specifically recommended an accelerated programme of naval vessel replacement, to ensure a balanced fleet of nine modern ships is reached by early in the next decade. This recommendation has been accepted in principle by Government, and planning is underway for the potential procurement of a multi role vessel for the Naval Service which would bring to nine the number of ships in the fleet.

Within the context of a decision being taken by Government that the capability requirements of the Defence Forces need to step up to LOA 3, the Commission recommended that by 2040 the Naval Service would comprise a balanced fleet of at least 12 ships, including Tier 3 type OPVs , supported by appropriate technology as part of a joint Defence Forces structure.

The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces sets out the requirement to complete a ‘LOA3 capacity and capability assessment’ during 2027 with any decision regarding a ‘move to LOA3 to be decided’ by mid 2028. The cost of a move to LOA3, including the cost associated with the move to a balanced fleet of at least 12 ships, will be examined as part of this capacity and capability assessment.