Skip to main content
Normal View

Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Questions (322, 323)

Cathal Berry

Question:

322. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the amount expended by his Department on the procurement of commercial flights for all Defence Forces troop rotations over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27738/21]

View answer

Cathal Berry

Question:

323. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of the evaluation of cost savings by his Department associated with the procurement of an airlift capability for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27739/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 323 together.

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible. This is primarily to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process.

In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is 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. Budget 2021 provides a Capital allocation of €131m for investment in Defence equipment and barracks infrastructure and will enable continued investment in major equipment platforms such as Defence Forces vehicle fleet. The increased capital funding for 2021 builds on increased levels of capital expenditure totalling €392m over the years 2018 – 2020.

In relation to air-based capability, my immediate priorities have been the acquisition of three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) role and for two Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft. An additional PC-12 was also acquired in response to the Covid 19 situation. No decisions have been made for the acquisition of additional aircraft in other roles. Some €276 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of these enhanced capabilities.

While the option of acquiring a wider military lift capability has been mentioned, it is not identified as an action for acquisition in the present 5 year Equipment Development Plan, which was developed through a joint civil military approach.

Should the situation arise in the future where the requirement to acquire military lift capability is identified as an action in the EDP, as with all capital investment decisions, costing over €10 million, the requirements of the Public Spending Code would need to be met. These requirements cover the various steps required in assessing the viability of the proposal and those associated with relevant decision-making and potential subsequent public investment in any additional aircraft, including a thorough evaluation of potential cost savings. At this point in time no such evaluation has commenced.

Much of this longer range lift capability for military purposes is provided by way of chartering aircraft through a competitive procurement process on an as-required basis. To date, this has been considered to be the most cost effective approach taking account of the acquisition, running and maintenance costs of larger aircraft in the context of their expected usage and contingency requirements. The overall priorities in the EDP will remain under review as it is progressively implemented and taking account of funding availability.

There are a total of four rotations of troops every year; two to UNDOF and two to UNIFIL. Rotations in the Springtime of every year are managed and paid for by the United Nations directly. Autumn rotations are the responsibility of my Department in collaboration with the Defence Forces. The table below provides details of the costs to the Irish State for the procurement of commercial flights for Defence Forces troop rotations for UNDOF and UNIFIL duties over the past five years (2016-2020).

Year

Contingent

Cost

2016

UNDOF

€93,500

2016

UNIFIL

€165,000

2017

UNDOF

€185,350

2017

UNIFIL

€372,470

2018

UNDOF

€224,000

2018

UNIFIL

€388,075

2019

UNDOF

€181,000

2019

UNIFIL

€509,400

2020

UNIFIL

€269,900

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.

Question No. 323 answered with Question No. 322.
Top
Share