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Defence Forces Training

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 March 2013

Thursday, 14 March 2013

Questions (112, 113, 114, 116)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Naval Service has access to modern training facilities in line with other Defence Forces throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13572/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps has access to the modern training services and technology available to other such forces throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13573/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army can access the full range of training and equipment available to other defence forces throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13574/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he is satisfied that the entire Defence Forces continue to have adequate access to full technology and training facilities notwithstanding the budgetary reduction requirements arising from the memorandum of understanding entered into by his predecessors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13576/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 to 114, inclusive, and 116 together.

I am advised that military training techniques are up to date in all respects. Defence Forces training plans are specifically structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to them by Government.

The primary focus of military training is the attainment of a capability for military interoperability in order to conduct peace support operations to international standards. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated on an ongoing basis in the light of any changes in the threat assessment or mission requirements.

Training standards in the Defence Forces are constantly benchmarked against best international practice and I am advised that Defence Forces personnel have the most modern and effective range of equipment and technology available, on a par with the best international practice and requirements, for training purposes and to carry out their day-to-day roles both at home and overseas.

The acquisition of new equipment, including equipment used for training, for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence. However, it is imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces, similar to all other Government Departments, must take into account the current difficult economic environment we are now operating in. The budgetary situation will continue to dictate the level of funding available for new equipment, training and upgrades. Decisions will be made accordingly on a strictly prioritised basis with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces.

In regard to the Naval Service, 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 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. Preparations for the construction of the ships have commenced in Appledore, UK and the build of the first ship is well advanced. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second ship will follow one year later.

On the issue of Naval Service training, I am satisfied that Naval Services training techniques and the technologies involved are up to date in all respects. A considerable training effort is also involved with the new ships programme to allow for a smooth entry of the two ships into operational service in 2014 and 2015.

The Air Corps keeps abreast of all developments in modern aviation. It conducts its training in accordance with industry best practices and to the highest standards, referencing European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and using the most modern methods and equipment available.

Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 111.

Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 112.

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