Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
Ivor Callely
Ceist:
78
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Defence
the equipment requirements that have been identified; the equipment which will be purchased over the next five years; the moneys required for such purchases; the estimated moneys that can be raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[16999/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
109
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
the degree to which the re-equipping of the Permanent Defence Forces has been undertaken arising from the sale of the various military installations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[18459/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 109 together.
Following the submission of the White Paper on Defence to Government on 29 February 2000 the Government conveyed approval for the allocation of 100% of pay savings arising from the reduction in the approved strength level of the Permanent Defence Force to 10,500, together with 100% of the revenue arising from the sale of property surplus to requirements, for investment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.
The White Paper on Defence set out a very positive, developmental approach to defence in Ireland for the next ten years. It involves a new, unprecedented £250 million investment programme in equipment and infrastructure over that period. This programme will ensure that Ireland has a modern, sustainable defence organisation, second to none, with the depth and flexibility to respond to future demands.
Substantial programmes of investment will take place in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service and some examples are as follows: the first six of the new fleet of 40 armoured personnel carriers for the Army, costing in total £40 million, were delivered to the Curragh Camp early last week. All 40 vehicles will be delivered by January of next year almost two years ahead of previous expectations.
There has been significant investment on new vehicles for the Army with more than £6.5 million spent on specialist transport cargo vehicles, deployed to KFOR, and on new troop carrying vehicles such as 4 x 4's, and ¾ ton trucks.
More than £10.5 million has been expended on new tactical VHF radios for the Defence Forces in recent years. An investment package for the Army estimated at up to £25 million over the next three years is under way. The package includes the purchase of light infantry tactical vehicles, modern effective anti-armour weapons, night vision equipment, engineer equipment and medical field equipment. A pistol replacement programme for the Defence Forces has commenced.
Following the publication of the White Paper, I announced a major investment programme for the Air Corps with £55 million available over three years for the purchase of new aircraft. The tender competition for the provision of medium lift helicopters is well advanced and it is expected that the Department will be in a position to place a contract later this year.
The build of the second new ship for the Naval Service which is similar to LERóisín is almost complete. As with LE Róisín, the new ship will also cost over £20 million. The ship, which will be named LE Niamh, is expected to arrive in Haulbowline next month.
The new equipment programme is a top priority for me. It ensures that the Defence Forces will develop as a world class military organisation in which people are proud to serve. The Army, Air Corps and Naval Service will have the most modern of equipment to carry out their roles at home and overseas.
