Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2016
688. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which military equipment including transport, communications and procedures in the Army continues to be upgraded and improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40147/16]
View answerThe acquisition of new equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence, and I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a modern and effective range of equipment which is in line with best international standards, as required to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government.
The future equipment priorities for the Army are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the recently published White Paper, which recognises that there are several new and or enhanced platforms to be procured.
The Army will continue to retain all-arms conventional military capabilities, and the principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas. There will be a focus on the essential force protection provided by armoured vehicles and the most cost effective option of upgrading or replacing the current fleet of armoured personnel carriers will be identified. A small number of armoured logistical vehicles will be procured for force protection overseas and in addition, my Department expects to place a contract in the near future for the procurement of twenty four armoured utility vehicles for deployment overseas.
There will be continued investment in the development of suitable network enabled communications in order to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex operational environment. This is also a priority area for investment if additional funding, beyond that required to maintain existing capabilities, is made available.
I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will ensure that the Army is suitably equipped to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
