The statistics necessary to provide a comprehensive reply to the Deputy's question are not readily available. However, information in regard to major areas of equipment is set out as follows: Naval Service vessels approximate average age – 17 years; Air Corps aircraft approximate average age – 24 years; military transport approximate average age – 6 years.
Tactical VHF radio net equipment, which comprises a major part of military communications systems, was purchased during the past two years.
There is an ongoing policy of vehicle replacement based on the most economical service life of the vehicles. As regards Naval vessels an EU funded programme of half-life refitting has been in progress; five vessels have been completed to date and the two remaining in the fleet are due for refitting during 1999 and 2000.