Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are maintaining our equipment capabilities. One of the interesting issues being further considered on the civil and military side is the joint acquisition of equipment.

If we go into to the market as the Republic of Ireland looking for equipment for our Defence Forces, we may only need 30 or 35 vehicles of a particular type. However, if another state such as Sweden or Finland, for example, is acquiring similar vehicles, there is the potential to improve communications in that area so that a bulk order can be made, resulting in required necessary equipment - such as for UN peacekeeping operations - being somewhat cheaper. Larger orders can result in savings as against single orders placed by ourselves alone. We are looking at the possibility of saving money in the public interest, obviously, but it is also crucial that we maintain the capabilities of the Defence Forces and ensure they have the equipment they need to fulfil their duties.