Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

42 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has for the development of the Defence Forces including the provision of modern equipment for the Army, Air Corps and An Slua Muirí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23033/97]

Denis Naughten

Question:

46 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the current levels of military equipment in the Army; the plans, if any, he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18174/97]

Michael Bell

Question:

101 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the main components of expenditure under the heading defensive equipment to date in 1997 and anticipated in 1998. [23243/97]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

134 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence whether he has satisfied himself that current Army equipment requirements including transport and armaments are being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23313/97]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 46, 101 and 134 together.

In recent years considerable sums have been expended under the Defence Vote for new weapons, transport and communications equipment and in providing new and upgraded living and operational accommodation for the Defence Forces.

Some of the more important developments in 1997 in relation to the improvement of Defence Forces' equipment were: a contract for a new fishery patrol vessel, for delivery in 1999; a contract for the supply of new turrets and fire directing systems for fitting, during 1998 and 1999, to existing armoured cars; a contract for the purchase of refurbished 105mm. light artillery guns, for delivery in 1998, to replace "25 pounder" guns which are now obsolete; a contract for the final instalment of equipment to complete a major programme to provide new tactical VHF radios for the Defence Forces at a total cost of nearly £10 million; expenditure of approximately £3 million on new troop carrying vehicles; and purchase of a second hand motor launch for the Slua Muirí, which means that each Slua Muirí company now has its own launch.

The question of procuring armoured personnel carriers is under consideration in my Department. A project team has been established comprising civilian and military personnel and has been tasked with identifying the most suitable type of APC for the Defence Forces, the numbers and variants required and the estimated costs involved. Procurement of APC's will be undertaken by way of a competition which will be conducted in accordance with Government contracts procedures.

It is estimated that commencing in 1999 there will be net pay savings of the order of £15 million a year arising from the reduction in the strength of the Permanent Defence Force. It has been agreed that from 1999 onwards 50 per cent of the pay savings will be made available to provide additional funding for equipment and infrastructural programmes for the Defence Forces.