Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2012
145 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the sea-going vessel of the Naval Service continue to be upgraded, replaced and or modernised on an ongoing basis with a view to matching the highest possible international standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7188/12]
View answer148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which investment in modern technology and equipment including IT continues in the Naval Service; the extent to which such requirements are likely to be met in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7191/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 148 together.
A strategy for the replacement of Naval Service Offshore Patrol Vessels is currently in train. A contract was signed in October, 2010 with Babcock Marine in the United Kingdom for the provision of two new offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV's). The contract price for the two ships is €99 million exclusive of VAT and subject to contract terms and final agreed costs. In addition, the cost of providing a weapons system for the ships, similar to the systems on LE Roisin and LE Niamh, will be €7.8 million, exclusive of VAT. Payments on the contract are scheduled over a period of eight years, 2010 to 2017 and are being funded from within the annual Defence budget. The first ship will be delivered in 2014 and the second a year later.
The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair on the other vessels in the fleet, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level and that the most up to date equipment, including modern technology and IT equipment, is available to Naval Service personnel.
146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Air Corps aircraft and equipment continues to be modernised in line with best international practice with a view to ensuring maximum efficiency and liability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7189/12]
View answer147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which investment in modern technology and equipment including IT continues in the Air Corps; the extent to which such requirements are likely to be met in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7190/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together.
I am satisfied that the equipment, aircraft and technology available to the Air Corps are of a high standard. Air Corps aircraft are subject to a strict maintenance regime in accordance with best aviation practice.
There are no plans for the acquisition of new aircraft for the Air Corps at the present time but this has to be taken in the context of the significant expenditure on the Air Corps fleet in recent years. The provision for the Air Corps in 2012 mainly relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hour contracts set up to keep the Air Corps fleet fully operational.
149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ensure adequate investment in emergency services provided by the Defence Forces in the future, notwithstanding the ongoing economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7192/12]
View answerI am satisfied that the Defence Forces will continue to have the necessary resources to fulfil all the roles assigned to them by Government including the provision of assistance to the Civil Authorities in any emergency situations that might arise. Whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they will continue to provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a severe weather emergency in an Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role under the multi-agency Framework.
Requests for Aid to the Civil Authorities are met within the normal Defence Forces means and capabilities, and the Department of Defence does not purchase specialised equipment for the Defence Forces with the sole purpose of rendering Aid to the Civil Authorities. However, certain vehicles and equipment held by the Defence Forces to meet their current operational requirements can also be used to provide assistance to the Civil Authorities, as was done, for instance, during the severe weather situations in recent years.
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces, including equipment that can also be used for rendering aid to the Civil Authorities, is a matter that is kept under continuous review. The budgetary situation will dictate the level of funding available for new equipment and upgrades in that period and decisions will be made accordingly. The priority this year and in the coming years is on maintaining the capabilities for the Defence Forces to deliver effective services across all of the roles assigned by Government including the continuance of the practice of rendering aid to the Civil Authorities, as and when required.
