Nora Owen
Question:59 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Defence his response to recent comments by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces on the need for further investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20569/99]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:89 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to comments made by the Chief of Staff that an additional £20 million expenditure was required each year to bring equipment up to the necessary level to allow Irish troops to continue to serve abroad on UN peacekeeping operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20455/99]
Andrew Boylan
Question:99 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Defence his investment plans for the Defence Forces for 2000; the amount of money that will be invested in 1999 and 2000 from the sale of Army barracks and from the voluntary early retirement scheme. [20539/99]
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:135 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence his investment plans for the Defence Forces for 2000; the amount of money which will be invested in 1999 and 2000 in the forces from the sale of Army barracks and from the voluntary early retirement scheme. [20520/99]
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:146 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence his response to recent comments by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces on the need for further investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20540/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 89, 99, 135 and 146 together.
In the four year period from 1997 to 2000, inclusive, it is estimated that more than £250 million will have been invested in the purchase, up-grading and maintenance of equipment (weapons, ammunition, transport, communications, clothing, etc.) used generally throughout the Defence Forces and of equipment specific to the Air Corps and Naval Service. The amount in respect of 1999 will be in the region of £65 million. It is my intention to continue with, and expand where possible, the modernisation programme to ensure that the Defence Forces are equipped to the highest standards appropriate to their roles and, on finalisation of the Estimates for my Department for 2000, I am confident that the expenditure level indicated will be maintained. The amounts referred to are inclusive of the savings from the voluntary early retirement scheme.
With regard to investment in new accommodation and the maintenance and up-grading of existing buildings the amount for the four year period to 2000 will be more than £80 million. Expenditure in 1999 will reach about £19 million. These figures comprise a provision for building construction and maintenance similar to that included in the Vote in recent years and an additional significant allocation arising from the expected proceeds from the sale of barracks.
The longer term development, including the question of future equipment requirements, of the Air Corps and the Naval Service will be dealt with in the context of the White Paper on Defence, which I plan to have available by the end of this year. However, in the meantime, I asked the Chief of Staff to prepare, in conjunction with the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps and the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service, draft implementation plans for my consideration, to implement the effectiveness and efficiency recommendations made by the consultants Pricewaterhouse Coopers in their review of the two services. I have just received the draft plans which are now being considered.