Ivor Callely
Question:78 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the number of motor vehicles in the Defence Forces; the age of such vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24638/01]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
There are 1,282 motor vehicles excluding trailers and motor cycles in the Defence Forces. A large range of vehicles is included in the fleet. Significant investment has taken place in the last four years on new vehicles for the Defence Forces such as specialist transport cargo vehicles deployed to KFOR and on new troop carrying vehicles such as 4x4s and three quarter tonne trucks. The ages of the vehicles range from the early 1980s – a minority – to 2001. It is the practice to maintain vehicles to the highest standard and to dispose of them when at the end of their useful economic life.
Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 29.
Seán Power
Question:80 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence his proposals to upgrade the ambulance fleet in use by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24640/01]
I am advised that the upgrading of the ambulance fleet is taking place on an ongoing basis. Currently there are 20 vehicles in the fleet, ten of which are 4x2 road ambulances with the other ten being 4x4 off-road ambulances. Of the 20 ambulances, two were purchased in the 1980s, six in the early 1990s and the other 12 from 1995 onwards. A further ambulance is being purchased through the Government Supplies Agency and plans are in train for the purchase of another two.