The Defence Forces review implementation plan, 1996-98, provides for an overall strength of 11,500 for the Permanent Defence Forces. It is my intention to maintain a policy of continuous recruitment to fill vacancies, as required, and I am satisfied that this policy will ensure the maintenance of an adequate strength. This figure of 11,500 comprises the following strengths for the three components of the Permanent Defence Forces: Army, 9,487; Naval Service, 1,089; and Air Corps, 924. The implementation plan also provides for special studies to be carried out on the Naval Service and the Air Corps, and Price Waterhouse management consultants were engaged to conduct such a review.
The Government has now considered the final report from Price Waterhouse and has agreed, in principle, to the proposal that the State's future sea and air support requirements be discharged by the Naval Service and the Air Corps, on the basis of an appropriate mix of multi-tasking-multi-capabilities and dedicated services, and that Government decision-making on equipping and staffing of the Naval Service and the Air Corps should be made accordingly. Arrangements are currently under way for the drawing up of implementation plans for both services which will give effect to the recommendations of the consultants' report.
In recent years considerable sums have been expended under the Defence Vote in updating military equipment. Total amounts spent on weapons, ammunition, transport and communications systems as well as equipment for the Air Corps and Naval Service over the past four years are as follows: 1995, £18 million; 1996, £20 million; 1997, £31 million; and 1998, £37 million. It is estimated that approximately £55 million will be spent on these 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 Pan hard 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 four wheel drives and three quarter ton trucks, and 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 APCs should be delivered next year.
It is my intention to continue and expand, where possible, the modernisation programme to ensure the Defence Forces are equipped to the highest standards appropriate to their roles.