I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 49, 68 and 157 together.
In recent years considerable sums have been expended under the Defence Vote for new weapons, transport and communications equipment and in providing new and up-graded living and operational accommodation for the Defence Forces.
Some of the more important developments in relation to the improvement of Defence Forces' equipment are a new fishery patrol vessel due for delivery in 1999; the supply of new turrets and fire directing systems for fitting, during 1998 and 1999, to existing armoured cars; the purchase of twelve refurbished 105mm. light artillery guns to replace "25 pounder" guns which are now obsolete; delivery of the final instalment of equipment to complete a major programme to provide new tactical VHF radios for the Defence Forces at a total cost of nearly £10 million; expenditure of approximately £3 million on new troop carrying vehicles.