Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

109 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if an audit has been carried out of all military equipment and facilities including vehicles and weapons, with a view to determining the extent to which targets anticipated in a report by consultants (details supplied) have been achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4226/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The report mentioned was written in 1994 and has, in effect, been superseded by the White Paper on defence. The White Paper addresses military equipment and facilities needs in a comprehensive way.

Since the White Paper was published, I have announced an unprecedented additional £250 million investment programme in new equipment and infrastructure. This will be funded from payroll savings and from the sale of properties surplus to requirements. About £55 million will be spent over three years on the purchase of new aircraft for the Air Corps with special priority being given to the procurement of new medium lift helicopters. The tender competition for the provision of the helicopters is well advanced and it is expected that the Department will be in a position to place a contract in the middle of this year. More than £20 million will be spent on a second new state of the art fishery patrol vessel for the Naval Service, to be named theL.E. Niamh. The project is well ahead of schedule and the new ship is due in the Naval Base, Haulbowline in early May. About £25 million over three years will be invested in light infantry tactical vehicles, modern effective anti-armour weapons, night vision equipment, engineer equipment and medical field equipment. A pistol replacement programme for the Defence Forces is also to commence immediately.

The investment described is additional to: £40 million for a new fleet of 40 armoured personnel carriers for the Army – the first of these have been handed over and all the vehicles will have been delivered by January 2002, almost two years ahead of previous expectations; £22 million for a state of the art offshore patrol vessel, theL.E. Róisín, which was delivered in 1999; over £10.5 million for new tactical VHF radios; over £6.5 million on specialist transport cargo vehicles, deployed to KFOR, and on new troop carrying vehicles such as 4 x 4's, and ¾ ton trucks.

Finally, over £100 million, including £50 million from the proceeds of the sale of property, is being committed to the development of buildings and other infrastructure at military installations.

Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 43.