asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that there are sufficient funds provided annually for the purchase of ammunition for training purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
10.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Equipment.
3.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the present stock of weapons in service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
24.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline his plans for the provision of adequate equipment for the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 3, 10 and 24 together. Notwithstanding the very considerable cost of acquiring defensive and other equipment for the Defence Forces, expenditure in this area by my Department is subject to the financial constraints necessarily imposed on all Government spending. There is, however, a continuous programme for the provision of modern up-to-date equipment for the Defence Forces generally, within the financial resources available. I mentioned recently, for example, that the replacement of some small arms weapons has been under consideration and that new helicopters are due for delivery shortly. Improvements in particular areas will continue to be made as necessary to maintain the capability of the Defence Forces to discharge their roles.
Can the Minister confirm whether the testing of weapons which his Department propose to purchase has been completed? Can he give any indication of when he proposes to purchase any consignment of weapons? Has any order been placed for the purchase of these weapons? Can he tell us when we can expect delivery of the helicopters?
Regarding the first part of the Deputy's supplementary, I had occasion to answer that question here a short time ago when I said that final assessment of small arms weapons was taking place and that when it had been completed an order would be placed. A decision has been taken on replacement and it is a question of when the people directly involved in assessing the adequacy of these weapons will complete their task. Then the order will be placed. Department personnel have been diligently pursuing the matter of the helicopers in recent times and I am now advised that delivery of helicopters will commence next month. I understand that two helicopters will be delivered initially and the remaining three will be delivered at fortnightly intervals thereafter.
I welcome the information that we can expect delivery of at least two helicopters next month. I assume that the assessment of replacement weapons has not yet terminated. Would the Minister agree that the cost to the Army and to his Department of maintaining existing weapons which are becoming obsolete is very high and that it is urgent to proceed with the replacement of as many of these weapons as financially possible in 1986? Can he give a commitment that at least some of these weapons will be replaced in 1986?
I would agree that weapons which are obsolete and obsolescent should be replaced. I fully agree that maintenance costs are very high and that is why we decided some time ago to consider replacing these weapons. It is important to make the right decision on the kind of weapons to be purchased since they will have long term use in the Defence Forces. I am not technically minded, nor can I pre-empt what might be decided in relation to the examination by the experts who are assessing these weapons. I would hope the assessment would be completed as soon as possible so that we could begin purchasing.