Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps remain sufficiently structured, resourced and equipped to meet any emergency situation arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47419/21]
View answerMy 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 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, 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 the 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 crisis. Some €276 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of these enhanced capabilities.
The White Paper on Defence also sets out an ambitious programme of capital investment in the Naval Service including the mid-life refit and upgrade of the P50 class vessels, LÉ Róisín and LÉ Niamh, as well as, in due course, the replacement of LÉ Eithne. The P50 mid-life upgrade programme is well underway, with the recent return to operations of LÉ Roisín and work commencing on LÉ Niamh. The replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi role vessel (MRV) is the next scheduled component of the White Paper fleet investment programme. The MRV project is currently underway and will be progressed over the coming years.
There is also a multiannual mid-life maintenance and upgrade programme in respect of the Army’s fleet of MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers. When completed, this will extend the utility of the fleet and provide greater levels of protection, mobility and firepower. The upgrade of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal robot was also completed during 2020. Other major projects are also in train.
The Defence Forces retain a wide range of specialist skills. The full spectrum of personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any emergencies that may arise. Further inductions have taken place throughout the year as recruitment continues. The Air Corps Apprentice competition closed in March 2021, and attracted 663 applications. General Service recruitment is ongoing and the Cadet competition was also launched recently. This is in addition to the 9 current Direct Entry competitions and the Re-commissioning and Re-enlistment schemes. I recognise that reaching a strength level of 9,500 personnel is a key challenge but I am committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the means to continue to carry out all of the roles assigned by Government.
At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency. In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies such as a natural disaster rests with three designated principal response agencies, namely, An Garda Síochána, the relevant Local Authority and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or an emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority and Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) roles. Major Emergency Plans have been developed by local and regional authorities and these Plans identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces.
The Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing and their report will inform decisions regarding the the future development of the Defence Forces.
