John Brady
Ceist:917. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current capital expenditure budget for the Defence Forces for 2020 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29666/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 June 2022
Ceisteanna (917)
Freagraí scríofa
The White Paper on Defence 2015, reinforced by the White Paper Update 2019, sets out the Government’s medium term policy for Defence. It is recognised that the principal demand drivers of Defence capital requirements are the ongoing renewal, retention and acquisition of military equipment along with the development and upgrade of Defence Forces built infrastructure.
The acquisition of military equipment is pursued through a comprehensive Equipment Development Plan which provides a consolidated, structured basis for investment in military equipment to maintain and develop necessary capabilities. Similarly, a Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme sets out the requirements for essential infrastructure development works over a medium term timeframe. These strategic frameworks combine to provide the basis for medium term equipment and infrastructural planning and investment requirements for the Defence Forces.
Capital funding allocations are framed by the annual estimates process and the multi-annual National Development Plan. The total capital allocation for Defence for the period in question is €822.2 million, as outlined in the table below.
Defence Capital Funding Allocation 2022-2025:
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
|
Defence Capital Funding Allocation |
€125.2m |
€131m |
€141m |
€141m |
€142m |
€142m |
Many of the Defence Equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times. The certainty of funding provided by the National Development Plan has enabled the Department and the Defence Forces to plan, prioritise and deliver scheduled projects.
Among the major Defence Equipment upgrade and replacement programmes set to be prioritised over the coming years are:
- The Land Forces Capability Development and Force Protection Programmes, including an upgrade of the military transport fleet and next generation radio communications and signal equipment;
- The ongoing Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme, which includes the mid-life refit of the P50 Class of Naval Vessel and the progression of the Multi Role Vessel project;
- The ongoing Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programme which includes the purchase of the C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
As the Deputy will be aware, the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was recently published. There is a process underway to consider the many detailed recommendations in that report. This necessarily requires widespread consultation. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate for me at this time to pre-empt an ongoing deliberative process.