Bernard J. Durkan
Question:106 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Army vehicles and equipment which are over ten years old; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13426/99]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
I assume the Deputy's question refers to military transport of all types and the number of such vehicles over ten years old is as follows:
|
Troop-carrying vehicles |
62 |
|
Plant vehicles (JCBs, dump trucks) |
36 |
|
Patrol or escort vehicles |
47 |
|
Support vehicles |
27 |
|
Armoured personnel carriers |
36 |
|
Armoured cars |
61 |
Military vehicles are assessed annually on age, mileage, mechanical condition and roadworthiness. All of these factors affect the notional life of vehicles and they are disposed of and replaced, as necessary, within available resources. There is an ongoing policy of vehicle replacement based on the most economical service life of the vehicles. This year £3.4 million has been allocated for the purchase of new soft-skinned vehicles and the maintenance of existing stocks. In addition a figure of £8 million has been set aside this year for the purchase of up to 40 armoured personnel carriers over five years.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:107 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of aircraft or other items of military equipment in the Air Corps which are more than ten years old; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13427/99]
The Air Corps fleet comprises 18 fixed wing aircraft and 15 helicopters including one fixed wing aircraft and one helicopter operated by the Air Corps on behalf of the Garda Síochána which were purchased in 1997. Of the remainder the two CASA aircraft and the Gulfstream IV were purchased within the last ten years. One of three crash rescue vehicles is also more than ten years old.
I might add that the communications and radar equipment installed at the aerodrome for flight control purposes was purchased within the past ten years.