Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The gross total allocation for my Department in 2008 is €1,078 million, comprising €888 million in the defence Vote and €190 million in the Army pensions Vote. This represents an increase of 7% on the 2007 allocation.

Almost 70% of the defence Estimate is expended on the pay and allowances for an average of 10,500 Permanent Defence Force personnel, some 880 civilian employees and approximately 380 Civil Service staff. The Estimate includes additional funding of €37 million for the proposed mission to Chad, the bulk of which will be expended on transport costs. This additional funding will ensure our troops in Chad will have the best possible equipment and facilities in what will be a very challenging environment.

The ongoing investment in modern equipment and facilities for the Defence Forces will continue in 2008. Among the more significant payments expected to be made next year are final payment of €13 million on two AW 139 helicopters, final payment of €5 million on upgrade of Casa maritime aircraft, final payment of €6 million on contract for 25 additional Mowag APCs, €4 million for the purchase of 500 general purpose machine guns and initial down payment on proposed purchase of light tactical armoured vehicles. Over €43 million will be available in 2008 for the upgrade, refurbishment and maintenance of buildings and facilities for the Defence Forces. This will enable the major programme to provide modern accommodation and facilities for the Defence Forces which has been ongoing in recent years to continue in 2008.

The process of acquiring three new replacement vessels for the Naval Service is under way. The evaluation of stage one proposals and the preparation of a detailed specification for the "invitation to tender" stage are in progress, with tenders expected to issue in April 2008 and a contract awarded in late 2008 or early 2009. A token sum of €1 million has been provided in the 2008 Estimate to facilitate a down payment on the first of the new vessels. That will enable us to sign the contract.

Overall, the increased level of resources underlines the Government's commitment to ensuring the modernisation process in defence will continue to make solid progress. The Army, Naval Service and Air Corps will be fully equipped to meet the challenges which lie ahead.

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