Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 May 2017
291. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that all equipment available to the Naval Service, including sea going vessels and communications technology, is adequately upgraded and updated in accordance with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23435/17]
View answerThe acquisition of new equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister with Responsibility for Defence. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards, as required to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government.
The future equipment priorities for the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence.
The current Naval Service ship replacement programme has seen the delivery of three new Naval Service vessels in recent years. In June 2016, agreement was reached with Babcock International for the provision of an additional ship for the Naval Service to be built in their facility in Appledore, Devon. This ship will be the same class as the three newest vessels, LÉ Samuel Beckett which was commissioned in 2014, LÉ James Joyce which was commissioned in 2015, and LÉ William Butler Yeats which was commissioned in October 2016. Delivery of the fourth ship is expected next year.
The White Paper also recognises the requirement to maintain and upgrade vessels having regard to emerging operational requirements and changes in technology, including communications equipment and technology. As such, future Naval Service capabilities are being planned as part of the White Paper project planning process which will determine the Defence Organisation’s maritime capability requirements.
