Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Oct 1990

Vol. 402 No. 2

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Vehicles.

Michael Bell

Question:

21 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the number of transport and saloon vehicles assigned to the second line reserve as at 31 May 1990; the number of such vehicles which have been returned for mechanical and other repairs; the net number of vehicles allocated to sub-units; the age of vehicles assigned as (a) under one year (b) under three years (c) under five years and (d) over five years; the number of sub-units which have not any assigned transport at 31 May 1990 (a) for one month (b) two months and (c) six months; and considering that such units require designated transport assigned to them for proper functioning, if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Lenihan

As part of the reply regarding vehicles assigned to FCA sub-units is in the form of a tabular statement I propose to circulate it in the Official Report.

A programme for the modernisation of the Defence Forces transport fleet has been under way since 1988. As part of this programme a contract for the purchase of 20 minibuses for FCA use was placed earlier in the year. These vehicles are due to be delivered shortly and will be assigned to FCA units for transport duties. It is intended that further similar type vehicles for FCA use will be purchased early in 1991.

It is the general practice that vehicles assigned to the Permanent Defence Force are made available to assist in transportation of FCA personnel where necessary.

Statement

Vehicles Assigned to FCA Sub-Units — 31 May 1990

Vehicles assigned	Over 5 years old	Under 3 years old	Unserviceable
84	79	5	33

FCA Sub-units not assigned transport and period involved

45 sub-units	—	1 month
44 sub-units	—	2 months
43 sub-units	—	3 months

Mr. Nealon

I want to thank the Minister for Defence for the communication I received from him indicating the improvements that have taken place; and may I, at this stage, say that there have been very positive results to Dáil Questions.

Mr. Lenihan

Thank you, Deputy.