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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2022

Wednesday, 26 January 2022

Questions (98)

Colm Burke

Question:

98. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence if the funding for equipment and resources for the Defence Forces includes funding to add capacity to the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3678/22]

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Written answers

Vote 36 Defence is managed through a single programme with all operational outputs delivered from a single set of forces encompassing the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. Expenditure costs for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are included in the overall programme costs in the appropriate subheads of the Vote.

As part of Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan (NDP) set out the Government’s overarching investment strategy and capital budget for the period 2021-2030. In this context, the National Development Plan allocated multi-annual capital funding of €566 million to the Department of Defence out to 2025, with an allocation of €141 million provided for 2022. Among the major capital projects set to be prioritised over the coming years are:

- The ongoing Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme, which includes the mid-life refit of the P50 Class of Naval Vessel and the progression of the Multi Role Vessel project

- Upgrade to accommodation facilities in various military locations including the Naval Base, Haulbowline.

I recently visited Haulbowline Naval Base to observe the progress to date on Block 8 Accommodation Block and the upgrade and repair works to Spencer Jetty. These infrastructure projects are being undertaken as part of the 5 year Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan. This Plan supports progress across a broad suite of Defence Forces built infrastructure projects and will ensure that the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, are enabled to contribute fully to their assigned roles.

Specifically in relation to the Naval Service, following consideration by a high-level civil military group, a document on the regeneration of the Naval Service was submitted to me in 2021 looking at initiatives that would restore the capacity of the Naval Service. I have accepted and endorsed the proposed course of action and these are now progressing.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service.

The Commission are finalising their work with a view to completing their Report as soon as possible. The Commission's Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.

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