Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
442. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the steps he plans to take to ensure that the Naval Service has access to a primary radar system as referenced in the 2015 White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4396/22]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence 2015 set out the defence policy framework and practical vision over a ten year period. In relation to radar the White Paper states that should additional funding become available, the development of a radar surveillance capability for the Air Corps is a priority.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020 was completed following extensive joint civil-military work. It provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
The recently acquired three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft play a key role in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) area providing a substantially increased capability with their state of the art surveillance technology. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft to replace the two Casa 235s was signed with Airbus in 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. These C295s are larger and more capable aircraft than those they replace and will further enable the Air Corps to conduct maritime patrols and surveillance across Ireland's area of maritime interest, with enhanced capabilities.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the Defence Forces operate many different types of radar systems. The Naval Service use maritime surface search radar and the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) systems for surveillance and tracking.
It remains Government policy, as per the 2015 White Paper on Defence, that should additional funding, beyond that provided for in existing plans becomes available, the development of a radar surveillance capability for the Air Corps, will be considered.
Following a commitment given in the Programme for Government a Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020 and their report is expected soon. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Defence Forces. Their report will be fully considered when received and will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces.
