asked the Minister for Defence whether it is possible to obtain arms, aircraft and military equipment from the US Government direct on favourable financial terms; if so, what the terms of repayment would be; and if an approach has been made to the US Government for military equipment and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Equipment.
74.
The Department's procurement procedures for military equipment are related to the particular needs of Óglaigh na hÉireann and involve recourse to a variety of sources of supply. These procedures are designed to ensure that suitable equipment is acquired on the best financial terms available. The question of making a general approach to any particular supply source does not, therefore, arise.
75.
asked the Minister for Defence the total amount of moneys paid to arms dealers for each of the past 20 years by his Department; and the total amount of moneys spent on the purchase of equipment abroad for each of these years.
Detailed records of the payments referred to by the Deputy are maintained for a period of seven years only. It would entail a disproportionate expenditure of staff time to isolate and extract from them the information requested. The main expenditure each year on defensive equipment is shown in the relevant appropriation account under subhead P up to 1962-63 and under subhead H thereafter.