Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I presume that the proceeds will go into the Defence Forces envelope of annual expenditure but I will revert to the Deputy with a more specific answer. I am satisfied that the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including equipment and training resources, enables them to carry out their roles at home and overseas in a professional manner. Particular focus has been maintained on ensuring that modern and effective equipment is available for overseas peacekeeping support operations. In this regard, the personal equipment at the disposal of individual soldiers in Lebanon and elsewhere is second to none and compares favourably with equipment used by other countries.

When I visited Lebanon earlier this year, I received a presentation on all of the equipment in use there. I assure the Deputy that it is of a professional level. The equipment available to the Defence Forces in carrying out the peacekeeping operations that arise in Lebanon is good and effective.

I assure the Deputy that there must be equipment to protect the professional personnel and facilitate training exercises so they can be ready for any operational duty.

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