Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Vehicles.

Dick Spring

Question:

376 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Defence the total number of softskinned vehicles operated by his Department; the number by category less than four years old, between four and eight years old and eight years; the number of these vehicles that were non-operational as at 31 December 1997; the number of vehicles by category purchased in each of the years 1996 and 1997 and anticipated in 1998; the number of vehicles disposed of in each of the years from 1996 to date in 1998; the revenue generated by such disposals; and the number of personnel in both the PDF and RDF who have army driving licences. [1329/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:

Number of soft-skinned vehicles

(1) Less than four years old	657
(2) Between four and eight years old	338
(3) Eight years and older	184
Total	1,179

The Supply and Transport Corps of the Permanent Defence Force operates an intensive vehicle maintenance regime. Depending on the complexity of faults occurring vehicles may be non-operational for part of a day or longer period. The Corps aspires to and generally attains a fleet operational level of at least 90 per cent.

Vehicle Purchases

(1)	1996
	(a) Under three tons	112
	(b) Over three tons	13
	(c) Special	3
	Total	128
(2)	1997
	(a) Under three tons	100
	(b) Over three tons	24
	(c) Special	7
	Total	131
(3)	1998 (anticipated)
	(a) Under three tons	64
	(b) Over three tons	30
	(c) Special	5
	Total	99

Vehicle Disposals

		Number	Revenue
			£
(1)	1996	9	800
(2)	1997	143	40,400
(3)	1998	Nil (to date)	Nil (to date)

The number of personnel in both the Permanent Defence Force and Reserve Defence Force with military driving licences is 2,950.