I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 82 together.
A key focus for the Minister for Defence since his appointment has been the acquisition of new equipment and the provision of modern accommodation for the Defence Forces. Significant investment has taken place which has ensured that the Defence Forces are now well equipped for their roles at home and overseas.
While much has been done, both on the equipment and the infrastructure fronts, the Minister is aware that more needs to be done. While expenditure programmes will now have to be prioritised due to the changed financial situation, substantive equipment and building programmes will still go ahead to enhance the efficiency, professionalism and safety of the Defence Forces. For example, discussions are commencing with Mowag of Switzerland this week on the acquisition of a further 25 armoured personnel carriers. In addition, the tender competition for the acquisition of trainer aircraft for the Air Corps is progressing well and the Minister hopes to be in a position to make a substantive announcement on the award of a contract before the end of the year.
With regard to infrastructural improvements, significant contracts are ongoing in various barracks, particularly in the Curragh Camp and Collins Barracks, Cork.
The Minister has ensured that there has been a policy of continuous recruitment to the Defence Forces in recent years and this policy will continue. Training of personnel has always been top of the Minister's agenda. Training will continue to be regarded as a priority and training programmes will not be curtailed in any respect because of the changed financial situation.