Vol. 505 No. 2
30 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to update and upgrade the standard of equipment in the Defence Forces to include vehicles and armaments; the plans, if any, to bring the quality of all military equipment up to modern international standards; his priority areas in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13298/99]
101 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the renewal or replacement of military vehicles or equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13421/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 101 together.
In recent years considerable sums have been expended under the Defence Vote in updating military equipment. Total amounts spent on weapons, ammunition, transport, communications systems, and equipment for the Air Corps and Naval Service over the last four years are as follows: 1995 – £18 million; 1996 – £20 million; 1997 £31 million; 1998 – £37 million.
It is estimated that approximately £55 million will be spent on those areas this year and will include the following major items: a new fishery patrol vessel, due for delivery later this year; LE Eithne completed a half life refit earlier this year and LE Orla will undergo a similar refurbishment programme later in the year; the supply of 16 new turrets and 16 fire directing systems for fitting to existing Panhard armoured cars. The first two turrets and two fire directing systems were delivered and fitted last month and the balance is expected to be delivered towards the end of this year; the delivery of approximately 70 troop-carrying vehicles, such as 4 x 4's and three-quarter ton trucks; a contract for the supply of up to 40 armoured personnel carriers. It is expected that a contract will be in place later this year and the first armoured personnel carriers should be delivered next year.
It is my intention to continue, and expand where possible, with the modernisation programme to ensure that the Defence Forces are equipped to the highest standards appropriate to their roles.
