Irish government plays down potential changes to multirole vessel programme

The new MRV is intended to replace the former Irish Naval Service flagship LÉ Eithne , which was decommissioned in 2022. (Michael Nitz/Naval Press Service)

The Irish government has played down the potential for changes to the planned acquisition of a multirole vessel (MRV) for the Irish Naval Service. Recent reports had indicated that the MRV design may be reoriented towards a multirole combat vessel (MRCV) such as a frigate.

Speaking in the Dáil (the lower house of the Irish parliament) on 6 November, Deputy Sinéad Gibney of the Social Democrats asked the Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) and former Minister for Defence Simon Harris of Fine Gael, “Are we now pivoting to multirole combat vessels, MRCVs, as has been reported, which marks a shift away towards a more aggressive naval policy?” In August 2025, the Irish news outlet The Journal reported that Irish Naval Service and Defence Forces officers were advocating for the MRCV.

In response, the Tánaiste said, “The short answer is no. I was enquiring about this recently. I have seen some media speculation in relation to this. I have been honest with the house. A major opportunity and challenge for the defence forces is going to be to secure a multirole vessel programme and the upgrading of that. That is where the focus is and will remain. I am happy to provide that clarity.