Vol. 559 No. 3
66 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the re-equipment of the Air Corps is ongoing; the area or areas in respect of which refurbishment or replacement is planned or postponed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26235/02]
The main priority for the Air Corps is the purchase of fixed-wing training aircraft. The tender competition for the acquisition of eight trainer aircraft is going well and the I am hopeful that I will be in a position to make a substantive announcement on the award of the contract before the end of the year.
On the issue of helicopters, it was a matter of great regret to me when the decision was made to cancel the tender competition for the acquisition of medium-lift helicopters for the Air Corps because of the changed financial situation. When the decision was made, I asked my officials to initiate a review of the provision of helicopter services, in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, to determine how best to meet the State's obligations in search and rescue, while taking account of the current financial position.
An interdepartmental working group has been established to seek alternate solutions to the funding issue, such as public private partnerships or leasing arrangements, with a view to providing helicopters for the Air Corps by other means. The PPP unit in the Department of Finance is also involved in assessing possible solutions. This work is at an early stage.
67 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the disposal of obsolete Army equipment; his plans for replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26236/02]
The disposal of obsolete military equipment takes place on an ongoing basis as the need arises. The disposal of such equipment usually follows from the recommendation from a military board of survey which confirms that the equipment is of no further value to the Defence Forces.
The acquisition of new equipment and the provision of modern accommodation for the Defence Forces has been a key focus for me since my original appointment to the Defence portfolio. Significant investment has taken place which has ensured that the Defence Forces are now well equipped for their roles at home and overseas and that obsolete equipment has been replaced as required.
While much has been done both on the equipment and the infrastructure front, I am aware that more needs to be done. While expenditure programmes will now have to be prioritised due to the changed financial situation, I will ensure that a substantive re-equipment programme will still go ahead to enhance the efficiency, professionalism and safety of the Defence Forces.
One example is the position with regard to the acquisition of APCs for the Defence Forces. The original APC contract contains an option for the supply of up to 40 additional APCs by Mowag. This option has now been exercised, albeit for a reduced number of APCs because of the changed financial situation. I signed a contract earlier this week for the provision by Mowag of 25 additional APCs. The contract value is in the region of €33.2 million including VAT. Deliveries will commence in March 2004 and are scheduled to be completed by September 2004. Payments under the contract will extend from December 2002 to September 2005 due to the budgetary situation. On delivery, the Defence Forces will have a total of 65 APCs which meets their requirements in this regard.
In addition, the tender competition for the acquisition of trainer aircraft for the Air Corps is progressing well and I hope to be in a position to make a substantive announcement on the award of a contract before the end of the year.
