Defence Forces Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2018

Tuesday, 23 January 2018

Ceisteanna (143)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

143. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the capital investment plan for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3295/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Following the mid-term review of the capital plan ‘Building on Recovery : Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016 – 2021’, Budget 2018 provided capital funding of €416 million for Vote 36 – Defence for the period to 2018 – 2021. This funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.

Work is ongoing, under the National Development Plan, on the development of an investment plan for the period 2018 to 2027. In this context, my Department is engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to make appropriate provision in the plan for Defence investment requirements over the period to 2027 taking account of the priorities set out in the White Paper on Defence.