Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 May 2022
219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps potential will be brought up-to-date in terms of equipment and mobility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24052/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which it is intended to invest in and expand the capabilities of the Naval Service having particular regard to the recent review of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24054/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence when aircraft and defence equipment available to the Air Corps will be brought up-to-date on par with that of their colleagues in neutral aligned and non-aligned countries and in order to ensure a regular and rapid coastal surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24061/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which all modern equipment available to similar Defence Forces abroad is made available to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps here with a view to increased ability to participate in any emergency affecting Ireland’s security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24064/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 219, 221, 228 and 231 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas. 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. This level of capital 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 identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and builds on the significant investment programme over recent years.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas. The current position regarding the major equipment platform projects is as follows.
The Equipment Planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging operational requirements and changes in technology and this is an ongoing process.
The mid-life upgrade of the Army’s fleet of 80 Mowag Piranha III armoured personnel carrier vehicles is well underway and is due to be completed by 2023. In addition, orders for an additional 30 Armoured Utility Vehicles (AUVs) are nearing completion with the final 4 due for delivery during 2022. These vehicles will more than double the existing fleet and will provide a level of protected mobility between the levels of soft-skinned light transport and heavier armoured vehicles.
There is also continuous investment in the non-armoured vehicle fleet. In 2019, a contract was signed with Toyota Ireland for the replacement of the Army's fleet of 3/4 tonne 4X4 vehicles. To date 210 vehicles have been delivered with the remaining 70 expected in 2022. In March 2020, a tender process was completed for the supply of one hundred and twenty (120) new 4X4 Troop Carrying Vehicles, with 60 delivered to date. A further 30 are scheduled to be delivered in 2022 and all 120 vehicles concluding by 2023. A scheduled vehicle replacement programme is also currently underway for the replacement of 22 heavy logistics vehicles between 2022 and 2025.
In addition to the above mentioned major capital programmes, the entire Defence Forces fleet undergoes ongoing review and replacement as required. As a result, an additional 120 vehicles of varying types will be delivered in 2022.
In relation to air-based capability, my immediate priorities have been the acquisition of three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) role and to acquire two Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft. An additional PC-12 was also acquired in 2020 in response to the Covid 19 situation.
The White Paper provides for the replacement of the two CASA 235 maritime patrol aircraft with consideration to be given to their replacement with larger more capable aircraft which would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was signed with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. Some €276 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023.
The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme is ongoing, this programme includes radar and other equipment upgrades along with the replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches. The programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of LÉ Róisín has been completed, while works are ongoing on LÉ Niamh. Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of multi-role vessel to replace the flagship, LÉ Eithne, with work underway that will inform a public tender competition in due course. Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, it is expected these vessels will be transported to Ireland in 2023 following the completion of a programme of works.
The examples given, whilst not exhaustive, demonstrate my commitment to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, within the financial envelope available.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards, to enable them to meet operational requirements.
