Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
204. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the investment plan in place to build up the State’s air defence capacity; and in the context of war on the eastern borders of the EU; the training and recruitment aspects of any such plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22927/23]
View answer205. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence why the State does not have a primary radar facility despite the long and now urgent and need for same; if he will commit to providing this at the earliest opportunity given current geopolitics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22929/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Capability priorities (including replacement capabilities as they near end of life) for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the capability development planning processes which include both a five-year Equipment Development Plan (EDP) and a Built Infrastructure Programme.
The EDP recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process. As such, further additions to the EDP are currently under consideration, including in the context of the Government’s decision to move to a higher level of ambition, known as Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), and in light of specific recommendations, associated with a move to LOA2, made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces last year.
The development of a primary radar capability was one of the key recommendations made in the Commission's report. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to this, one of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report was to commence planning for military radar capabilities. In response to that, a project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, has commenced work on planning for military radar capabilities. This includes ground based, maritime and primary radar systems.
It must be acknowledged, however, that delivery of primary radar is both costly and extremely complex, and will take some time to deliver. Nevertheless, delivery has been prioritised by Government and this year’s increased capital allocation for Defence includes funding to explore the development of a primary radar capability. The Defence annual capital budget for 2023 is €176 million which represents an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence which demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to supporting the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to the increasingly complex security threats that have emerged.
Also in relation to enhanced air defence capability, the programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft for the Air Corps is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected later this year. These larger more capable aircraft will replace the two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft which will enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. An order was also placed recently for a C295 Military Transport Aircraft, and this will be delivered in 2025. Projects for other air defence capabilities will be considered in the context of the overall capability development planning process which includes consideration of the training and recruitment aspects of any new capabilities proposed.
