Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
818. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which ongoing training in respect of Permanent Defence Force in line with international standards continues with particular reference to any potential posting overseas through the aegis of EU-UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13368/14]
View answer820. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which ongoing training and upgrading of technical support in respect of the Permanent Defence Force continues with a view to ensuring that Army, navy and Air Corps personnel are adequately trained to meet any requirement arising at home or on posting abroad through the aegis of the EU-UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13370/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 818 and 820 together.
The Defence Forces has a robust and comprehensive training system which incorporates a wide variety of modern training methods. Training standards in the Defence Forces are constantly benchmarked against best international practice. Participation in ongoing overseas operations also necessitates multilateral-training and assessment. This facilitates ongoing review of Defence Forces training methods and standards within an international military context. Defence Forces personnel continue to have the most modern and effective range of equipment and technology available for their training and day-to-day roles.
Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping duties, this also includes mission specific training. Pre-deployment training is updated on a regular basis, to include lessons learned from previous missions. Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the roles assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both personal equipment and force assets, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles. I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.
Ireland’s membership of the Partnership for Peace has allowed the Defence Forces to gain access to NATO standards – which are internationally-recognised as representing best practice in military and related matters such as operations, procurement, training, civilian cooperation, etc.
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence and is a matter that is kept under constant review at a senior level in my Department and in the Defence Forces.
In the current economic climate the budgetary situation will continue to dictate the level of funding available for new equipment, training and equipment upgrades. Decisions will be made accordingly on a strictly prioritised basis in accordance with operational priorities with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces.
I am assured by the Chief of Staff that the Defence Forces are adequately equipped and trained to meet the many demands and tasks Government has assigned to them.
