Vol. 519 No. 3
55 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that all air, sea and land military vehicles and equipment are of modern vintage, upgraded and modernised in keeping with today's requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13647/00]
141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which upgrading, modernising and refitting of military facilities and armaments has taken place following the closure of a number of military establishments in 1998; if the upgrading and improvements anticipated at that time have taken place; the extent of works in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13850/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 141 together.
Following the submission of the White Paper on Defence to Government on 29 February 2000, the Government conveyed approval for the allocation of 100% of pay savings arising from the reduction in the approved strength level of the Permanent Defence Force, together with 100% of the revenue arising from the sale of property surplus to military requirements, for investment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.
The White Paper on Defence sets out a very positive, developmental approach to defence in Ireland for the next ten years. It involves a new, unprecedented £250 million investment programme in equipment and infrastructure. This programme will ensure that Ireland has a modern, sustainable defence organisation, second to none, with the depth and flexibility to respond to future demands.
Substantial programmes of investment will take place in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service and some examples are as follows. The first of the new fleet of armoured personnel carriers for the Army, costing in total £40 million, will be produced at the end of this year and deliveries will be completed by early 2002.
There has been significant investment in recent years on new vehicles for the Army with over £6.5 million spent in 1999 on heavy lift-load carrying vehicles which are being used in Kosovo, and other heavy duty trucks for use throughout the Defence Forces.
I recently announced an investment package for the Army estimated at up to £25 million over the next three years. The package includes the purchase of light infantry tactical vehicles, modern effective anti-armour weapons, night vision equipment, engineer equipment and medical field equipment.
Following the publication of the White Paper, I announced a major investment programme for the Air Corps with £55 million available over three years for the purchase of new aircraft. Last month, I signed the contract for the second new ship for the Naval Service which will be similar to le Róisín and will cost more than £20 million.
The new equipment programme is a top priority for me. It will ensure the Defence Forces will develop as a world class military organisation in which people are proud to serve. The Army, Air Corps and Naval Service will be fully equipped with the most modern of equipment to carry out their roles at home and overseas.
