Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013
28. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the Defence Forces mission to Lebanon has been supplied with apparel appropriate to the local environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29097/13]
View answerThe acquisition of clothing and equipment for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence. The Deputy can be assured that I am minded to ensure that modern and effective clothing and equipment is available for our troops in overseas peace support operations. In this regard, the personal equipment, which the individual soldier has at his/her disposal in Lebanon and on other overseas missions is second to none and compares very favourably with the equipment in use by other countries. The military authorities have advised me that clothing and kit issued to Defence Forces personnel serving in Lebanon is of the highest quality and fit for purpose. I have also been advised that the Defence Forces issue a comprehensive set of clothing to each member of the Defence Forces which is designed to cope with a wide range of weather conditions both at home and overseas. Additional supplementary clothing and footwear may be issued where extreme conditions are to be encountered. I am advised that the Defence Forces are satisfied that the current clothing arrangements are sufficient for the requirements of the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces authorities have also assured me that appropriate force protection assets and capabilities have been deployed to operate in the current and future environment in Lebanon.
In addition, in recent years, significant work has been carried out on the acquisition of an Integrated Protection and Load Carrying System for individual soldiers. This equipment is top of the range. The system includes Body Armour, Helmets, Back Packs (Rucksacks) and Battle Vests. The Battle Vests are used for the carriage of essential items such as ammunition, personal radio and water.
