Written Answers. - Defence Forces Strength.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
134
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
if he has satisfied himself regarding the strength and equipment of the Naval Service; if he envisages improvements in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5021/02]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
135
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
the extent to which Army strength is in line with requirements; if he anticipates an increase in personnel or equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5022/02]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
136
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
his preferred options in respect of the optimum strength of the Air Corps; if he envisages an expansion of the service with new responsibilities; if he anticipates a need for extra training and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5023/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 to 136, inclusive, together.
The White Paper on Defence published in February 2000 set out the overall strategic direction for the development and management of Defence policy for the ten years to 2010. The White Paper sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. In addition the chief of staff has discretion to have 250 recruits in training at any given time, over and above this figure of 10,500. This Permanent Defence Force establishment of 10,500 represents an optimal establishment on the basis of current and envisaged roles and taskings and the assessment of the contemporary security environment. The strengths including cadets and recruits, on 31 December, 2001 of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps respectively were 8,812, 951 and 912.
It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of continuous recruitment to the Defence Forces in the year 2002 to fill vacancies as required. I launched the Defence Forces 2002 general service recruiting campaign yesterday and this will be followed by national and local media advertising.
The Defence Forces plan to spend €41.9 million on defensive equipment in 2002. The major acquisitions planned relate to the following procurement programmes: completion of delivery of 40 armoured personnel carriers, APCs; initial procurement of 60 mm mortar; initial procurement of a medium range anti-armour guided weapon; delivery of battlefield surveillance equipment consisting of thermal imagers and ground surveillance radar; delivery of NBC detection, protective and decontamination equipment and ammunition purchases for training purposes and maintenance of minimum operational stock levels.
In addition to these programmes the Defence Forces is considering the acquisition of an artillery weapon locating system for use in peacekeeping operations.
