Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:208 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his proposals for modernising the military equipment, including vehicles, in the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9155/00]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
Following the Government decision on the White Paper on Defence an extra £250 million will be provided for investment in new equipment for the Defence Forces over the next ten years.
Substantial programmes of investment will take place in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service and some examples are as follows. The first of the new fleet of armoured personnel carriers for the Army, costing in total £40 million, will be produced at the end of this year and deliveries will continue throughout 2001 and 2002. I have recently announced a major investment programme for the Air Corps with £55 million available over three years for the purchase of new aircraft. Next month I expect to sign the contract for the second new ship for the Naval Service which will be similar to LE Róisín and will cost over £20 million.
There has been significant investment in recent years on new vehicles for the Army with over £6.5 million spent in 1999 on heavy lift or load carrying vehicles which are being used in Kosovo, and other heavy duty trucks for use throughout the Defence Forces.
Following recent discussions with the Chief of Staff I announced an investment package for the Army estimated at up to £25 million over the next three years. The package includes the purchase of light infantry tactical vehicles, modern effective anti-armour weapons, night vision equipment, engineer equipment and medical field equipment. This equipment will be of considerable benefit to the Army in carrying out its roles at home and overseas.