Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The numbers go up and down depending on what is needed. Spending the same amount on defence equipment each year does not reflect the reality that sometimes we have to replace a naval vessel or buy Mowags, depending on the role at the time. A high-level planning procurement group comprising civilian and military members meets regularly to evaluate ongoing expenditure trends, prioritise future requirements and maintain oversight on key issues likely to impact on resources.

The lifespan for the Mowag APC fleet is being considered this year. My understanding is that they need an upgrade after ten years, but they are certainly operational for at least 20 years. I had an opportunity to look at a number of Mowags in Collins Barracks. They are fairly indestructible pieces of equipment but they age. My understanding is that they have an upgrade requirement after about a decade. However, they are constantly being upgraded in terms of communications equipment and obviously armoury, weapons systems and such like. Different Mowags have different equipment.