Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
145. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the detail of the sale of all military equipment in each of the past five years; the type of equipment sold; the amount received; the date the sale occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15965/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government. In this regard defensive equipment requirements for the Defence Forces are kept under constant review. As part of the equipment planning process a number of major equipment platforms were identified for disposal in the last few years.
In 2013 the Naval Service Ship Offshore Patrol Vessel the former LÉ Emer was sold to Uniglobe Industrial Services Limited of Nigeria for a sum of €380,965.20.
There were no disposals of defensive equipment in 2014.
In 2015 the Gulfstream GIV fixed wing aircraft was sold to Journey Aviation LLC of the United States for a sum of €418,055.20. Spare parts for the Gulfstream were also sold that year to the same buyer for a sum of €52,858.78.
Also in 2015, the Naval Service Offshore Patrol Vessel the former LÉ Aoife was donated to the Ministry of Home Affairs & National Security, Malta to assist in the humanitarian crisis in the region. A nominal sum of €30,000.00 was received for the transfer of ownership of the vessel.
In 2015 Nineteen (19) Panhard Armoured Vehicles, including accessories and spare parts, were sold to Sofema S.A., of France for a sum of €130,000.00.
There were no disposals of equipment in 2016.
Finally, in 2017 the former Naval Service Vessel the LÉ Aisling was sold by way of public auction to Mr Dick Van Der Kamp, a Dutch Shipbroker for a sum of €110,000.00.
There have been no disposals in 2018 to date.
Future equipment priorities for the Defence Forces are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning process. The principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements both at home and overseas.
