Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2015
13. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the proceeds arising from the disposal of various military installations decommissioned over the past number of years have been used to upgrade military equipment, facilities and installations for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25114/15]
View answerThe total realised from 1998 to date in terms of sales of surplus property is €108m approx, a portion of which has been retained and re-invested in providing equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces. This approach is in line with the 2000 White Paper on Defence and the Government decision of February 2000 which approved the allocation of the revenue arising from the sale of property surplus to military requirements, for investment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces. The allocation of monies from property disposals to the Department ceased over the last number of years, with the downturn in the economy. However, approval has recently been received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for 50% of actual sale receipts to be provided to the Department in the estimate for Capital expenditure. This arrangement will commence with 50% of actual 2015 sale receipts provided in the 2016 estimate for Capital expenditure.
Some of the major re-equipment programmes over the years include the acquisition of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles, Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers, two EC 135 helicopters, six AW 139 helicopters and two new Offshore Patrol vessels.
