Government invites tenders for naval ships

THE Government is to invite tenders for the first of three new naval ships later this year, Defence Minister Willie O’Dea said yesterday.

The vessels, expected to cost the taxpayer between €150 million and €190m, are set to replace older boats in the fleet.

Mr O’Dea said the ships will help the Defence Forces back up the Garda and Customs and Excise in the offshore fight against drugs.

“Planning for this has been under way for some time,” he said, launching the Annual Report of the Department of Defence and Defence Forces for 2006, aboard the naval flagship, LÉ Eithne.

He said: “Between now and 2010, three of the older vessels will reach 30 years service and will be due for replacement.”

It is expected the Department of Defence will be in a position to place a contract for the country’s newest naval ship early in 2008.

“This level of investment cannot be met from within the existing defence resources, so I will be seeking the support of my Government colleagues on this matter and will be bringing proposals to Government very shortly,” said Mr O’Dea.

This year, the total defence budget exceeded €1 billion for the first time, according to the minister.

The annual report also showed seven members of the Defence Forces were discharged from duty last year for failing drugs tests.

It is the fourth year of the tests, which saw the same number dismissed in 2005 and four discharged in each of the two previous years.