asked the Minister for Defence the progress, if any, that has been made in plans for the production of a new Irish armoured car.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Armoured Car.
55.
Three prototype armoured personnel carries are being produced. The first has undergone initial testing and has been handed over to the military authorities for extensive trials. It is expected that the second and third will be ready for testing early in 1974.
Is this the first prototype that was completed?
My information is that it has been completed. It was on view in the Glen of Imaal last week and I had hoped to see it but I was otherwise engaged. It now must go through very extensive tests.
I had intended to table a similar question next week. It is just six months since the Minister dealt with this before. He told us that the prototype was being made. I would like to know whether it took the full six months to get one prototype out.
That is probably a rather different question. The position is that these vehicles must be able to operate in very heavy service conditions. Their testing takes some time. They are very heavy vehicles with very heavy springing. It needs to be quite a strong affair. The testing is proceeding and the question of various further items attached to the vehicle such as, for instance, the turret, which is not finally completed, is being attended to. I would not expect that it would be tested in a month or in months. It may take quite some time. As the Deputy has been told, three prototypes are envisaged.
We can ask another question in about six months time.
Certainly.