Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 5

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

43 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the details of all decisions to cancel or defer the purchase of equipment for the Defence Forces since June 2002; the estimated savings to his Department of each cancellation or deferment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13214/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces has been a key focus for me since my appointment to the Defence portfolio. Significant investment has taken place and I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are now well equipped for their day to day roles at home and overseas.

Much has been done on the equipment and the infrastructure front but more needs to be done. While expenditure programmes must be prioritised due to the changed financial situation, I will ensure that a substantial re-equipment programme will go ahead to enhance the efficiency, professionalism and safety of the Defence Forces. The only major cancellation of a tender competition related to the acquisition of medium lift helicopters for the Air Corps. No other tender competitions were cancelled.

An example of the continuing investment programme, in conjunction with the priorities agreed with the military authorities, is the acquisition of APCs for the Defence Forces. The original APC contract contained an option for the supply of up to 40 additional APCs by Mowag. This option has been exercised albeit for a reduced number of APCs because of the changed financial situation. In December 2002 I signed a contract for the provision of 25 additional APCs by Mowag. The contract value is in the region of €33.2 million, including VAT. Deliveries will commence in March 2004 and are scheduled to be completed by September 2004. Payments under the contract will extend from December 2002 to September 2005 due to the budgetary situation. On delivery the Defence Forces will have a total of 65 APCs.

The main priority for the Air Corps has been the purchase of fixed wing training aircraft. On 16 January I signed a contract for the supply of eight turbo propeller training aircraft to replace the Siai Marchetti aircraft in the pilot training role. The new aircraft is the Pilatus PC-9M, manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft Limited, Switzerland. It cost approximately €60 million and it will be delivered during 2004.