Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 October 2018
95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which military equipment, including transport, communications and procedures, in the Army continues to be upgraded and improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40314/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that facilities such as advanced training, state-of-the-art technology and specific military equipment is available throughout the Defence Forces with a view to ensuring a competence to deal with national or international security incidents; if he is satisfied that the Defence Forces have adequate liaison with other defence forces throughout Europe in the context of a potential threat to national security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40323/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 104 together.
My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government as set out on the White Paper on Defence.
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment priorities 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, including response to security risks and other emergencies, both at home and overseas.
Defence Forces military equipment including transport vehicles, aircraft and vessels are kept under ongoing review and where necessary are upgraded to ensure the highest level of force protection and capabilities are available to personnel. Modern secure communications are essential for operations at home and on overseas missions and in that regard Defence Force personnel are suitably equipped with required communications and global positioning systems equipment.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and a wide range of military equipment are available for deployment in response to any security and other emergencies that may arise. In addition, the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats under constant review.
With regard to training, the primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the necessary capabilities. The Defence Forces deliver military training programmes and modules meeting national, EU and international standards. They also engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, civil and military, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
Furthermore, Ireland’s engagement with Partnership for Peace has provided the Defence Forces access to NATO standards, which are internationally-recognised as representing best practice for the development of military capabilities. Participation in Partnership for Peace is fundamental to Ireland being able to meet its obligations in providing professional peacekeepers for international crisis management and peacekeeping operations mandated by the UN. Ireland’s involvement in Partnership for Peace is focused on enhancing interoperability and familiarity with operating procedures in a multi-national environment and is but one means by which the Defence Forces liaise with other European Defence Forces on matters of mutual interest.
I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will continue to ensure that the Defence Forces is suitably equipped and trained, in line with EU and international best practice, to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
