Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
102
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
if the Permanent Defence Forces are adequately equipped in terms of updated military equipment including land, sea and aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24770/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
103
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
if the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are equipped with state of the art military hardware; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24771/01]
I propose to take Questions 102 and 103 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 to 10,500, together with 100% of the revenue arising from the sale of property surplus to requirements for investment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.
The White Paper on Defence set out a very positive, developmental approach to defence in Ireland for the next ten years. In addition to the £180 million which has been invested on equipment since I was appointed Minister in 1997, the White Paper involves a new, unprecedented £250 million investment programme in equipment and infrastructure over the next decade. This year alone the provision is about £107 million. 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.
A total of 17 of the new fleet of 40 Mowag armoured personnel carriers for the Army, costing in total £40 million, will have been delivered by the end of this month to the Curragh Camp. All 40 vehicles will be delivered by January-February of next year almost two years ahead of previous expectations. Negotiations will take place with Mowag this week with regard to the provision of an additional 20 APCs.
There has been significant investment on new vehicles for the Army with more than £6.5 million spent on specialist transport cargo vehicles – deployed to KFOR – and on new troop carrying vehicles such as 4x4's, and three quarter tonne trucks.
More than £10.5 million has been expended on new tactical VHF radios for the Defence Forces in recent years. An investment package for the Army estimated at up to £25 million in the next three years is under way. The package includes the purchase of 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 has commenced.
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. The tender competition for the provision of medium lift helicopters is well advanced and a decision can be expected shortly.
The second new ship for the Naval Service,LE Niamh, which is a sister ship of LE Róisín was commissioned into the Naval Service last month. As with LE Róisín, the new ship cost more than £20 million and will be a tremendous asset to the Naval Service in carrying out its various roles.
The new equipment programme is a top priority for me. It ensures that 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 have the most modern of equipment to carry out their roles at home and overseas.
Question No. 104 answered with Question No. 35.
Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 7.
