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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 5

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

174 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which military training and equipment is being updated to meet future requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5011/03]

The primary focus of the Defence Forces, when not engaged in operations, is training and preparation. As outlined in the White Paper on Defence, the appropriate training for all Defence Forces' personnel is based on conventional military doctrine to prepare them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The Defence Forces training centre in the Curragh has the important role of overseeing the training requirements of all personnel.

Training in the Defence Forces continues to be conducted in two basic forms: first, that of individual training, where the individual is trained in personal skills; and second, that of collective training, where the team as a unit is trained to accomplish tasks outside the scope of the individual. Training is ongoing to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out their day-to-day roles, both at home and overseas, as required.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces has been a key focus for me since my 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.
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 contained 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 in December 2002 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.
There has been significant investment on new vehicles for the Defence Forces, including specialist transport cargo vehicles and on new troop carrying vehicles and three quarter ton trucks. Over €13 million has been expended on new tactical VHF radios for the Defence Forces in recent years. Ongoing programmes include the acquisition of additional night vision equipment and nuclear/biological/chemical – NBC – equipment.
Significant investment has been made in the Naval Service. TheLE Niamh, which is a sister ship of the LE Róisín was commissioned into the Naval Service in September 2001. As with the LE Róisín, the new ship cost over €25 million. Both ships have proved to be a tremendous asset to the Naval Service in carrying out its various roles.
The main priority for the Air Corps has been the purchase of fixed wing training aircraft. In that regard, I was delighted to sign a contract on 16 January 2003 for the supply of eight turbo propeller training aircraft to replace the Siai Marchetti aircraft in the pilot training role. The new aircraft is the Pilatus PC-9M, manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft Limited, Switzerland. The cost of the aircraft is approximately €60 million. Delivery of the aircraft will take place during 2004.
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