Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the steps that have been taken in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps to ensure that the forces are upgraded in line with their European counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13761/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the way and when it is proposed to upgrade the military hardware in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13762/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence when it is expected that the Air Corps will be upgraded in line with international requirements and standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13768/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 251, 252 and 258 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process. Further additions to the Equipment Development Plan are currently under consideration.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566m over the 2022-2025 timeframe. Within that capital allocation the Defence annual capital budget for 2022 is €141m. Over recent years the capital budget has also been augmented through the reallocation of pay savings.
There are a number of defensive equipment acquisition and upgrade projects for which there will be capital expenditure in the coming years. These include the midlife upgrade of the Army's fleet of 80 Mowag Piranha III armoured personnel carrier vehicles which is well underway as well as the completion of the delivery of an additional 30 Armoured Utility Vehicles. The Army's softskin fleet continues to be updated also with over 220 vehicles due for delivery in 2022.
In relation to air-based capability, the programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. Alongside the recently acquired PC-12 aircraft some €276 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities.
With regard to the Naval Service, the programme of works for the midlife reft and upgrade of the LÉ Róisín has been completed, while works have commenced on LÉ Niamh. The replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi-role vessel, MRV, is an important element of the EDP. Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of the MRV. The replacement of other vessels is also under consideration.
An independent Commission on the Defence Forces was established in December 2020. The work of the Commission encompassed the consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report is currently being considered.
