248. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the naval, technical and operational research, analysis or advice underpinning any decision or proposal to limit the size or displacement of future Naval Service vessels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60347/26]

249. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the status of the Naval Fleet Replacement Programme; whether any limitation on the size or displacement of future Naval Service vessels has been introduced or is under consideration; whether any such limitation would preclude the acquisition of multi-role combat vessels; whether the Department has assessed the implications of any such limitation for future operational capability and for crew safety, including in North Atlantic sea conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60338/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.

My 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 Commission on the Defence Forces specifically recommended a programme of naval vessel replacement under Level of Ambition 2. This recommendation was accepted in principle by Government. As set out in the Update to the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces, published earlier this year, decisions on the shape and timing of the Naval vessel replacement to ensure a balanced fleet by early in the next decade will be made and subsequently progressed from 2026 and beyond.

These decisions will be made in the context of the Capability Development Programme 2028 – 2040 which is under preparation in my Department and 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 have also requested the Defence Forces to prepare a regeneration report for the Naval Service to address the challenges faced in recent years and to plot a path forward for the future direction of the Naval Service.

In finalising these plans, decisions will be made on the composition of the balanced fleet of modern ships and the greater use of technologies. These decisions will also be informed by other relevant information, including the National Maritime Security Strategy which I published in February of this year.

None of the strategic and capability development processes have made any determination regarding maximum vessel size, displacement limits, or restrictions that would preclude the acquisition of particular vessel types, including multi-role combat vessels. These assessments take account of a range of factors including operational effectiveness, endurance, seakeeping performance, survivability, crew accommodation, and the ability to operate safely and effectively in challenging North Atlantic conditions.

As Minister I remain committed to the development of a modern and appropriately capable Naval Fleet.