Bernard J. Durkan
Question:162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which old or obsolete military hardware is or has been replaced in the Army, Navy and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30875/01]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
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 positive, developmental approach to defence in Ireland for the next ten years. In addition to the £180 million which has been invested in 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. Twenty-two of the new fleet of 40 Mowag armoured personnel carriers for the Army, costing in total £40 million, have now been delivered to the Curragh Camp. All 40 vehicles will be delivered by the end of February or beginning of March next year, almost two years ahead of previous expectations. Negotiations are ongoing with Mowag with regard to the provision of an additional twenty APCs. There has been significant investment in new vehicles for the Army with over £6.5 million spent on specialist transport cargo vehicles, deployed to KFOR, and on new troop carrying vehicles such as 4 × 4s, 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 over 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 I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on this matter shortly. The second new ship for the Naval Service,LENiamh, which is a sister ship of LE Róisín, was commissioned into the Naval Service in September. As with LE Róisín, the new ship cost over £20 million and already is proving to 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 equipment to carry out their roles at home and overseas.
Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 89.
Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 64.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 55.